Plant Science Today https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST <p><strong style="font-size: 0.875rem;">Editor-in-Chief</strong><span style="font-size: 0.875rem;">: K K Sabu</span></p> <p><strong>Publishing model</strong>: Fully Open Access<br />Days to First Editorial Decision: <strong>51 days</strong><br />Submission to acceptance: <strong>142 days</strong><br />Acceptance rate: <strong>34%<br /></strong>Impact Factor: <strong>0.7<br /></strong>5 year Impact Factor: <strong>0.9</strong><br />Scopus CiteScore: <strong>1.5</strong><br />Journal Citation Indicator (JCI): <strong>0.19</strong><br />NAAS score (2024): <strong>6.9</strong><br />Google Scholar h-index: <strong>28</strong></p> <p>Plant Science Today (PST; eISSN: 2348-1900) is a fully open access peer reviewed international journal devoted to publish scientific articles from all areas of plant science to share advances to a wider audience. Four issues (c. 900 pages per issue) are published each year. PST, published by Horizon e-Publishing Group, is covered by Scopus, Web of Science, BIOSIS Previews, Clarivate Analytics, NAAS, UGC CARE (Group II) and many other indexing/abstracting services. <a href="https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/indexing_abstracting">Read more on indexing</a></p> Horizon e-Publishing Group en-US Plant Science Today 2348-1900 <div id="copyright"> <h2>Copyright and Licence details of published articles</h2> <p>Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:</p> <ol> <li>Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a&nbsp;<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/" target="_new">Creative Commons Attribution License</a>&nbsp;that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.</li> <li>Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.</li> </ol> <div id="openaccess"> <h2>Open Access Policy</h2> <p>Plant Science Today is an open access journal. There is no registration required to read any article. All published articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC Attribution 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited (<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_new">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>). Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See&nbsp;<a href="http://opcit.eprints.org/oacitation-biblio.html" target="_new">The Effect of Open Access</a>).</p> </div> </div> Lighting design affects the uniformity and growth of plants in a vertical farming system https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3210 <p>Light is essential for plant production and has various effects on plant quality. Vertical farms typically use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as light sources. However, the cost of LEDs varies with wattage and the initial installation costs are generally high. Therefore, to explore more cost-effective LED designs, we aimed to investigate the impact of red LED chips density on light distribution and plant growth under the same total electricity consumption. To this end, we exposed baby leaf soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.; 5 days) and kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala; 18 days) to LEDs light with different arrangements of red and white chips. Plants were exposed to either 2 W chips with a red: white ratio of 4: 64 (2W4R treatment) or 1 W chips with a red: white ratio of 8: 64 (1W8R treatment) across the entire LED bar. We observed that the distribution of red light in the cultivation room differed depending on the density of the red LED chips. We found that arranging low-power red LED chips at narrow intervals resulted in uniform light distribution across the entire cultivation bed, positively affecting crop growth. Baby leaf soybean and kale exhibited uniform growth under 1W8R and growth was particularly enhanced in kale. This may be because of the dense leaf structure of kale, which promotes photosynthesis under a uniform light environment. The results of this study demonstrate that a favorable light environment can be created by altering the position and distribution of red LED chips, thereby inducing uniform growth in plants.</p> Seong-Nam Jang Min-Ji Kang Han-Sol Sim Ga-Oun Lee Ye-Lin Kim Du Yong Cho Jea Gack Jung Min Ju Kim Jong Bin Jeong Youngsam Park Sorae Kim Kye Man Cho Hee Yul Lee Elio Jin-Ha Kim Ki-Ho Son Copyright (c) 2024 Seong-Nam Jang, Min-Ji Kang, Han-Sol Sim, Ga-Oun Lee, Ye-Lin Kim, Du Yong Cho, Jea Gack Jung, Min Ju Kim, Jong Bin Jeong, Youngsam Park, Sorae Kim, Kye Man Cho, Hee Yul Lee, Elio Jin-Ha Kim, Ki-Ho Son https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.3210 Effect of coconut consortia on coconut basal stem rot disease https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4286 <p>Coconut is an important plantation crop in India. Many diseases severely impact coconut trees in the current climate change scenario, declining the vigor and yield of palms and deteriorating the quality of nuts on the trees. Basal stem rot caused by Ganoderma spp. is one of the most destructive diseases of coconut. Ganoderma can endure an extended period in the soil as a soil-borne pathogen. Chlamydospores are formed under unfavourable conditions, helping the pathogen's survival and spread of the disease. Rain and irrigation water also contribute to the spread from one field to another. This study assessed coconut consortia's efficiency in combating the basal stem rot disease at the field level. The experimental trial was conducted at Tittuvillai village of Thovalai panchayat, Kanyakumari district, from 2021–2022 to 2023–2024 for three consecutive years with four treatments and seven replications. The palms exhibiting the typical symptom were selected, and the experiment was started in 2021. A total of 28 palms displaying basal stem rot symptoms were randomly selected for the experiment. Four treatments were imposed, and the details of treatments include T1: Drenching of Coconut consortia (TNAU Cococon) @ 2 liters/palm along with application of mycorrhizae @ 100 g/palm at quarterly interval, T2: Drenching of Coconut consortia (TNAU Cococon) @ 2 litres/palm and root feeding with hexaconazole (0.2%) at quarterly interval, T3: Drenching of Bordeaux mixture 1% and T4: Control (Untreated). Among the four treatments, soil drenching of coconut consortia (TNAU Cococon) @ 2 liters/palm followed by root feeding with hexaconazole (0.2%) at quarterly intervals effectively reduced the disease index from 21.74 to 15.96 and enhanced nut yield from 67.14 to 90.00 nuts per palm per year in three years under field conditions.</p> K Kavitha A Selvarani H S Nazreen S Suresh G Preetha K S Suganya Copyright (c) 2024 K Kavitha, A Selvarani , H S Nazreen, S Suresh , G Preetha , K S Suganya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-06 2025-01-06 12 1 10.14719/pst.4286 Unravelling the biochemical and phytochemical responses of sapota (Manilkara zapota L.) P. Royen cv. DHS-1 on foliar feeding of plant growth regulators https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4910 <p>Foliar application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) is one of tactic for plant nourishment which directly enhances nutrient uptake, leading to a more balanced nutrient supply and improved accumulation in plant ultimately improving quality and yield. The current research covers to see the response of biochemical and phytochemical parameters of sapota cv. DHS-1; to the pre-harvest spray of the PGR i.e. naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (50 and 100 ppm), 2-chloro-4-pyridyl) N'-phenyl urea (5 and 7.5 ppm), salicylic acid (SA) (150 and 300 ppm) and homo brassinolide (10 and 15 ppm); sprayed at flowering, pea stage and marble stage of plant growth. Treatments were imposed on 24-years-old, uniformly grown, sapota trees, planted at 10m x 10m spacing, at Central Horticultural Experiment Station, (ICAR-IIHR), Bhubaneswar during 2022 and 2023. In general, application of PGRs were found<br />affecting the fruit quality significantly over control. However, application of NAA and CPPU performed better at higher dose. The treatment NAA at 100 ppm resulted in highest total soluble solids (°Brix), TSS: acid, ascorbic acid content, sugar content and minimum titratable acidity (%). Further, application of NAA at 100 ppm found to be most effective in boosting total flavonoids content, total phenol content and antioxidant activity. The possible correlations among these parameters were discussed which showed that the bio-active compounds such as vitamin C, phenol and flavonoid contributed towards the anti-oxidant capacity of fruit. Therefore, application of PGRs showed to effectively augment fruit quality by improving both biochemical and phytochemical properties when compared to control.</p> D Gautam G C Acharya S C Swain S Samal D Samant N V Bhat Sandeep S Mohapatra Copyright (c) 2025 D Gautam, G C Acharya, S C Swain, S Samal, D Samant, N V Bhat, Sandeep, S Mohapatra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-25 2025-02-25 12 1 10.14719/pst.4910 Promising segregants for enhanced grain yield under moisture stress in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5954 <p>This study aimed to identify transgressive segregants with enhanced yield under moisture stress condition. A population of UAS 375 × HTWYT_66 was developed by hybridizing UAS 375 (a rainfed variety) with HTWYT_66 (NDVI &gt; 0.74 under stress). A total of 125 F3:4 progeny lines were evaluated under restricted irrigation during the rabi 2023-24 season, revealing significant genetic variation. Traits such as peduncle length, flag leaf length, grains per spike, and grain yield exhibited high heritability coupled with high genetic advance, indicating the predominance of additive gene action, which makes them ideal for selection. Grain yield was positively correlated with plant height, peduncle length, flag leaf length, tillers per plant, and thousand-grain weight. Conversely, early maturity showed a negative correlation with grain yield, suggesting that early-maturing varieties perform better under moisture stress conditions. Path coefficient analysis revealed strong direct effects of thousand-grain weight (0.409), peduncle length (0.253), and plant height (0.129) on grain yield, emphasizing these traits as key targets for selection. Principal component analysis indicated that three components collectively explained 61.5% of the observed variation in the UAS 375 × HTWYT_66 population. Selection indices incorporating traits such as plant height, thousand-grain weight, and grain yield demonstrated high genetic gains with a minimal number of characters involved. Promising segregants, including F4:23-24 (11) and F4:23-24 (71), exhibited high yields under moisture stress, making them potential donor lines for breeding programs aimed at enhancing yield in such challenging conditions.</p> B L Sahithya G Uday D L kumar Copyright (c) 2025 B L Sahithya, G Uday, D L kumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-06 2025-01-06 12 1 10.14719/pst.5954 Molecular characterization of rice blast fungus (Pyricularia oryzae) from West Sumatra and their virulence to several rice cultivars https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6132 <p>Global rice production is severely impacted by rice blast disease, which is a devastating condition caused by the fungal pathogen Pyricularia oryzae. Many countries have reported blast diseases associated with rice yield loss. In Indonesia, this disease also destroys rice production in several rice fields in West Java, East Java, Central Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi. The objectives of this study were to identify rice blast fungal isolates in West Sumatra and assess the resistance level of eight local and modern rice genotypes to this disease. Additionally, the rice genotypes were also evaluated for the presence of Pi genes associated with blast resistance by utilizing 25 simple sequence-repeats (SSR) markers known to be linked to rice blasts. The seedlings of all rice genotypes were exposed to fungal isolates to determine their blast resistance capacity based on leaf morphological traits. Before conducting blast resistance testing, the local isolates of rice blast fungus were molecularly identified by aligning sequences in a pairwise comparison. Based on the identification process, three P. oryzae (MoK19-49, MoK19-45, and MoK19-28) fungal isolates were identified. The confirmed P. oryzae isolate MoK19-28 was then used to assess the blast resistance of the rice genotypes using the SES-blast test. The resistance levels of all genotypes were evaluated by observing the morphology of infected leaves for 24 days. Four genotypes, namely Cantik Manis (CM), Bungo Sungkai (BS), Inpari 48 Blas (IB), and Inpago 9 (Ip9), exhibited resistance to leaf blast caused by P. oryzae isolate MoK19-28. Meanwhile, Pulau Batu (PB), Mundam Putiah (MP), and IR64-Sub1 (IR) displayed intermediate resistance to the disease. In contrast, the blast fungus P. oryzae isolate MoK19-28 severely impacted the Kuriak (K) genotype. The rice variety IB contains several Pi genes, specifically Pi1, Pi9, Pikh, and Pi37, which are associated with enhanced resistance to leaf blast caused by P. oryzae isolate MoK19-28. This genetic characteristic sets it apart from susceptible genotypes. This work has successfully identified multiple blast-resistant rice genotypes that could potentially be used in future rice improvement initiatives.</p> Pohan Selvia Dewi Sukiran Noor Liyana Yusri Nur Sakinah Mohd Nahar Shakirah Mohammad Jamsari Jamsari Shamsudin Noraziyah Abd Aziz Copyright (c) 2025 Pohan Selvia Dewi, Sukiran Noor Liyana , Yusri Nur Sakinah Mohd , Nahar Shakirah Mohammad , Jamsari Jamsari, Shamsudin Noraziyah Abd Aziz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-22 2025-02-22 12 1 10.14719/pst.6132 In vitro biological activity of seed oil of Withania coagulans and synthesis of catalyst from residual biomass https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3288 <p><em>Withania coagulans</em> is a well-known medicinal plant reported to possess numerous biological activities. However, the plant remains underutilized compared to other medicinal plants due to lack of clinical and analytical studies. In the present study, <em>in vitro</em> biological activities of oil extracted from seeds of <em>W. coagulans</em> were studied along with synthesis and characterization of catalyst from residue obtained post oil extraction. The extracted oil exhibited DPPH-radical scavenging activity, protein denaturation activity and <em>in vitro</em> -? amylase inhibitory activity. These activities were comparable to the corresponding activities of standard compounds indicating diverse medicinal potential of the oil. The residue obtained post oil extraction was utilized for synthesis of catalyst. The synthesized catalyst was characterized to identify the nature of the catalyst. Catalyst synthesized from residue was found to be silica-based catalyst, crystalline in nature and EDX mapping revealed catalyst to comprise of C, O, Na, Si, P and Ca. Interpretation of results obtained depict potential utilization of <em>W. coagulans</em> for diversified traditional as well as industrial application.</p> Priya Raghav Nishesh Sharma Priyvart Choudhary Nishant Kumar Rohit Sharma Himani Badoni Ayushi Chaudhary Copyright (c) 2024 Priya Raghav, Nishesh Sharma, Priyvart Choudhary, Nishant Kumar, Rohit Sharma, Himani Badoni, Ayushi Chaudhary https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.3288 Evaluation of variability and principal component analysis in segregating populations of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4025 <p>Groundnut is a favourable and profitable crop for resource-poor farmers in Africa and Asia, both for edible oil production and direct consumption. There is significant potential to breed high-yielding, better-quality groundnut cultivars by generating new variations through artificial techniques. In this study, the F2 generations of the crosses CO 7 × Chico and ICGV 07222 × Chico was analysed to assess the variability created through artificial hybridization in groundnut. The various yield and yield-related traits were analysed to estimate genetic parameters, skewness, kurtosis and subjected to principal component analysis (PCA). The variability study of the F2 population from both crosses revealed significant variations for the traits under study. The traits “days to accumulation of 25 flowers” and “shelling %” showed low GCV (genotypic coefficient of variation) and PCV (phenotypic coefficient of variation) in both populations. Most traits exhibited moderate to high heritability and genetic advance, whereas “days to accumulation of 25 flowers” and “maturity duration” had moderate heritability and low genetic advance. Only shelling % had low estimates of heritability and genetic advances. <br />Tests for skewness and kurtosis revealed that both F2 population did not follow a normal distribution. The traits “days to maturity”, “shelling %”, “kernel yield,” and “hundred kernel weight” displayed significant positive skewness. The traits “days to accumulation of 25 flowers”, “number of matured pods”, “height of main axis”, “shelling %”, “hundred pods” and “hundred kernel weight” and “pod yield” showed platy- kurtosis, while “Kernel yield” displayed lepto-kurtosis in both populations. <br />The first principal component explained 37 % and 32 % of the total variance in the 2 F2 populations respectively, with a focus on yield-related traits. The PCA biplot effectively clustered the genotypes based on the 10 different traits studied and clearly, grouped the population based on maturity duration. Thus, hybridization created significant variation in groundnut for all yield-related traits and yield, except for “days to maturity”. The traits require further enhancement using additional sources and could be improved through intense selection.</p> R Sangeetha Vishnupraba PL Viswanathan S Manonmani L Rajendran T Selvakumar Copyright (c) 2024 R Sangeetha Vishnupraba, PL Viswanathan, S Manonmani, L Rajendran, T Selvakumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.4025 Effect of cinnamon aqueous extracts on hyperglycemia in diabetes-induced wistar rat model https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4372 <p>Diabetes mellitus is considered the epidemic of the century. Although various treatments for diabetes are available, the development of effective novel treatments based on medicinal plants is not yet recognized. Therefore, this study focused on the ability of Cinnamomum verum to lower blood glucose levels in Wistar rats suffering from diabetes. The cinnamon bark extract was prepared by sonication in water for one hour. Wistar rats (weight 180-220 g) were kept alternately in the dark and the light for 12 hours, with a standard diet and constant water supply. Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin (STZ), and the diabetic rats were divided into groups (6 rats/group), which were treated with cinnamon and metformin for 42 days. Fasting blood glucose levels were measured at regular intervals. After 42 days, the rats were sacrificed, and blood was collected by cardiac puncture to measure fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, lipid profile, renal function, and liver function tests. In the cinnamon-treated group, the mean FBG (IQR) at baseline and four weeks after treatment were 310 (256 -352) mg/dL and 119 (105-147) mg/dL, respectively (p = 0.02). However, no significant difference in insulin resistance and lipid profile was observed. The biochemical tests, hematological analysis, and histopathological examinations showed that the 42-day treatment with cinnamon had no significant adverse effects on kidney, liver, and bone marrow function. It can be concluded that the aqueous cinnamon bark extracts effectively improve hyperglycemia without adversely affecting the liver, kidneys, or bone marrow.</p> D Wijenayaka V P Bulugahapitiya S Jayasinghe Copyright (c) 2025 D Wijenayaka, V P Bulugahapitiya, S Jayasinghe https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-07 2025-02-07 12 1 10.14719/pst.4372 Efficiency of the application of foliar spray of vermicompost and amino acids in growth and yield of eggplant https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4992 <p>The experiment was conducted at the research station of the College of Agriculture/University of Kufa for the 2022 growing season. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the eggplant plant response in terms of growth and yield to foliar spray with vermicompost at three concentrations (0. 25 and 50mL L-1) and/or amino acids (Tecamin Max) at three levels (0, 1.5 and 2 mL L-1). The experiment was a factorial, completely randomized block design with three replications. The results showed that the 50 mL L-1 of vermicompost or 2 ml L-1 of amino acids were the best treatments and led to the highest values of plant height (61.00 and 56.44 cm), number of leaves (129.8 and 123.1 leaf plant-1), number of branches (7.33 and 6.89 branch plant-1), fruit length (11.60 and 11.78 cm), fruit weight (228.00 and 238.33 g) and leaf content of carbohydrates (5.93 and 7.10 mg 100 gm-1). Except for plant height, all indicators under study increased significantly in the combination treatments between the two experimental factors compared to the individual treatments and the control treatment. </p> Aqeel Al-Tufaili A A Abd H A K Al-Khazraji Copyright (c) 2025 Aqeel KH Al-Tufaili, Aseel A Abd, Haidar AK Al-Khazraji https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-12 2025-01-12 12 1 10.14719/pst.4992 Optimization of gamma irradiation doses (60Co) for mutagenesis in strawberry (Fragaria × annanasa Duch) cv. Winter Dawn https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6270 <p>Strawberry, a vegetatively propagated crop, exhibits limited genetic variation, which constrains its adaptability and improvement potential. Gamma-ray radiation is a promising approach for enhancing genetic diversity and improving strawberries. Strawberry runners of the Winter Dawn cultivar were irradiated using 60Co, with doses ranging from 20 Gy to 40 Gy administered at a consistent rate of 1.52 Gy per minute to evaluate mutagenic effects. The survival effects in gamma irradiation-treated runners were recorded at 30 days after transplantation. An LD50 analysis was conducted to assess physiological impacts, and the lethal dose value was found to be 40 Gy, resulting in 50% mortality. Distinct differences in survival rates were observed between treated and untreated runners, with the highest survival rate (88%) at 20 Gy. The 30 Gy dose-treated runners exhibited the highest growth parameters, including crown diameter (14.32 mm), primary root length (29.50 cm), secondary root length (5.5 cm), and number of roots (39.6). Among fruit quality traits, maximum fruit length (39.84 mm), and fruit diameter (27.80 mm) were observed in runners treated with a 30 Gy gamma irradiation dose. Significant variations in survival, growth, and fruit quality were observed across different gamma irradiation doses. These findings provide a foundation for future efforts to develop potential strawberry mutants with improved traits through gamma irradiation. These findings provide a foundation for future efforts to develop potential strawberry mutants with improved traits through gamma irradiation.</p> Rahul R Rodge Rajni Rajan Kuldeep Pandey Harjinder Kaur Khan Jabroot Madhurima Chaudhuri Jyoti Sharma Sunny Sharma Nirmal Patil A M Wagh D N Bhosale S M Karadak Copyright (c) 2025 Rahul R Rodge, Rajni Rajan, Kuldeep Pandey, Harjinder Kaur, Khan Jabroot, Madhurima Chaudhuri, Jyoti Sharma, Sunny Sharma, Nirmal Patil, A M Wagh, D N Bhosale, S M Karadak https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-04 2025-02-04 12 1 10.14719/pst.6270 Efficiency of biochar and compost on soil bio-chemical properties and yield of knol-khol (Brassica oleracea L.) https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3358 <p>A field experiment was conducted to assess how the combined application of biochar with various organic amendments affects the soil biochemical properties and the yield characteristics of knol-khol (<em>Brassica oleracea</em> var. <em>gongyloides</em> L.). The outcomes showed that biochar with organic amendments substantially enhanced the biological characteristics of the soil as compared to the control treatment. There was a notable increment in soil microbial biomass carbon by 33.27 % and dehydrogenase activity by 5.68 % following the integrated application of farmyard manure, vermicompost and biochar (T<sub>8</sub>). In addition, several knol-khol growth metrics showed significant improvement in T<sub>8</sub> compared to the control, including leaf number (1.36 times), plant height (1.38 times) and knob diameter (2.3 times). In T<sub>8</sub>, the knolkhol production increased by a remarkable 3 times, demonstrating the beneficial effects of the combined treatment on marketable output. The results of the experiment showed that T<sub>8</sub> had significantly higher levels of accessible nitrogen (12.38 %), available potassium (8.54 %), available phosphorus (24.19 %) and organic carbon (9.5 %) than the control. According to this, the concurrent application of farmyard manure, vermicompost and biochar enhanced soil fertility and boosted plant and microbial nutrient availability, which in turn led to higher profitability.</p> Sharma Peeyush Abrol Vikas Kumar Satesh Sharma Reetika Maanik Shabir Haziq Khenrab Stanzin Copyright (c) 2025 Sharma Peeyush, Abrol Vikas , Kumar Satesh, Sharma Reetika , Maanik, Shabir Haziq , Khenrab Stanzin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-13 2025-02-13 12 1 10.14719/pst.3358 Effect of gamma rays induced mutagenesis on the agronomical and biochemical traits of acid lime https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4120 <p>One of the indigenous citrus crops of India is acid lime, which has a high economic value and unique flavour compared to other citrus fruits. The current study was intended to ascertain the gamma ray dosage that proves lethal for the acid lime variety PKM1. The acid lime seeds were exposed to nine distinct gamma radiation dosages ranging from 5 to 45 Gy with an interval of 5 Gy and compared to untreated control. Different irradiation doses demonstrated substantial differences in morphological and biochemical traits. Increased dosage of gamma radiation leads to significant changes in various agronomic parameters of plant germination, number of plants, plant height, and change in biochemical traits. Various gamma radiation doses revealed a low survival rate after 35 Gy, with LD 50 at 27.86 Gy.</p> MR Manjusha J Rajangam S Saraswathy K Venkatesan S Rajesh M Madhan Mohan M Ganasekaran Copyright (c) 2024 MR Manjusha, J Rajangam, S Saraswathy , K Venkatesan, S Rajesh , M Madhan Mohan , M Ganasekaran https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.4120 Harnessing the nutraceutical and antioxidant potential of the sporocarp of medicinal mushrooms, Schizophyllum commune Fr. https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5123 <p>The split gill mushroom, Schizophyllum commune Fr., naturally occurs on decaying wood during the rainy season and is consumed as a food source in many parts of North-East India due to its medicinal properties. In the present study, an isolate of S. commune was analysed for its proximate composition and nutraceutical potential to support the development of biofortified products. The proximate composition analysis of dried and fresh mushrooms of S. commune revealed the following results: carbohydrate content (74.00% and 30.51 %, respectively), calorific value (358.00 and 148.84 Kcal/100g, respectively), crude fiber (3.08 % and 1.20% respectively), crude protein content (13.70 % and 6.18%, respectively), and total antioxidant activity (1267.00?g/g and 1090.76?g/g, respectively). Glycemic potential assessments indicated that S. commune exhibited a low glycemic index of 10.33 and total starch digestibility of 7.65%. The nutraceutical analysis of dried S. commune powder in different solvent extracts (methanol, ethanol, and ethyl acetate) demonstrated that methanolic extracts recorded the highest DPPH inhibition percentage (89.60%), reducing power (37.20%), and phenolic content (0.230±0.005 mg/mL). Methanolic extracts also exhibited higher flavonoid content (0.455±0.003mg/mL). Ethanolic extracts were found to have the highest total tannin (0.250±0.001mg/mL) and saponin content (0.303±0.001mg/mL). A herbal infusion formulated with S. commune dried powder, dried basil leaf powder, and dried ginger powder demonstrated high antioxidant and phytochemical properties. Sensory evaluation of two treatments of the herbal infusion indicated good overall acceptability, highlighting its potential as a commercially viable fortified product with significant antioxidant properties.</p> M Roja G Thiribhuvanamala T Praveen K Angappan D Amirtham P Geetha H K Singh Copyright (c) 2025 M Roja, G Thiribhuvanamala, T Praveen, K Angappan, D Amirtham, P Geetha, H K Singh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.5123 Two decades of spice trade among SAFTA nations - Is it really aromatic for India? https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6357 <p>Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) are the foundation of the multilateral trading mechanism and act as a path to boost trade, enhance market access and strengthen relations with economies across the globe. The growing number of trade agreements between countries and within regions reflects a global momentum towards economic openness and creating more dynamic and competitive market environments. This study employs the gravity model with panel data from 2002 to 2020 to examine the trade effects, including trade creation and trade diversion of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on the spices trading between India and SAARC member countries under the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA). The analysis shows a trade creation effect of SAFTA in the fixed effect (FE) model. The results also suggest that the spice trade could help in improving the Indian economy with SAFTA. India being the major spice exporter to the world nations and SAARC countries, has the relative trade advantage in spice trade with members of SAARC nations. Globally, India can use the advantage of exporting spices for higher value rather than for high volume proportional to the distance, which is a proxy for the trade costs.</p> E N Kalpana K M Shivakumar A Vidhyavathi K Mahendran R Jagadeeswaran M Kalpana Copyright (c) 2025 E N Kalpana, K M Shivakumar, A Vidhyavathi, K Mahendran, R Jagadeeswaran, M Kalpana https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-13 2025-02-13 12 1 10.14719/pst.6357 A systems biology-based study to assess the effects of TNF-alpha ± apigenin in triple-negative breast cancer cell line https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3566 <p>Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a type of breast cancer that lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. Various treatment methods are available for breast cancer, but therapies with minimal toxic side effects are particularly important. This study computationally investigates the impact of apigenin, a compound used in traditional Chinese medicine, on the TNBC cell line. The GSE120550 dataset was retrieved from the NCBI-GEO database. BRB-ArrayTools were used for pre- and post-processing to identify significantly differentially expressed genes. Additionally, the DAVID web server was utilized to analyze three main components: "biological process," "cellular component," and "molecular function," along with the KEGG signaling pathway. Finally, a Venn diagram was employed to thoroughly investigate the number of shared genes among 15 groups derived from 6 compared sample sets. The primary analysis of 6 pairs of samples revealed significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were prioritized using the TOPPgene web server. These identified genes, playing key roles in inhibiting the progression of BC, are involved in various signaling pathways. Protein-protein interaction network analysis highlighted the biomarkers associated with the inhibitory effects of apigenin across the 15 sets derived from the 6 sample pairs. The findings of this study confirm the inhibitory effects of apigenin, with no toxic side effects, on patients with TNBC. This natural compound holds promise for future therapeutics and novel drug designs.</p> E Amjad B Sokouti S Asnaashari S Dastmalchi Copyright (c) 2024 E Amjad, B Sokouti, S Asnaashari, S Dastmalchi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-10 2025-01-10 12 1 10.14719/pst.3566 Assessment of the cytotoxic effect of aerial parts of Gazania rigens hexane extract on HRT-18 and MCF-7 cell line and chemical composition analysis using GC/MS and LC/MS https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4164 <p>Gazania rigens are cultivated for their vividly colored flowerheads. The herb, belonging to the Asteraceae family, displays various classes of secondary metabolites, including terpenes, phenols and fatty acid derivatives. Antioxidant, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and antimicrobial activities of the herb have been evaluated and have proven to benefit humans clinically specially in case of cancer affected people. Breast cancer is the second most frequent reason for female mortality, and the third most frequent reason in the world is colorectal cancer. A previous study stated the in vitro anticancer effect of the genus Gazania rigens on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell. N-hexane extract of Gazania rigens aerial parts was prepared by maceration, cold extraction methods and subjected to GC/MS and LC-MS analysis to characterize its constituents. In GC/MS, the total number of identified compounds were 2-pentadecanone, 6,10,14-trimethyl, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, 11-octadecenoic acid methyl ester, methyl stearate hexanedioic acid, and bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester. LC/MS analysis revealed and confirmed the presence of lupeol. Based on the result, n-hexane extract was evaluated for its in vitro anticancer effect against the MCF-7 and HRT-18 cell lines using an MTT assay. Results from the MTT assay showed there is a significant cytotoxic effect for hexane extract against both cell line HRT-18 and MCF-7, the IC50 value for HRT-18 was 102.2±10 ug/ml, while the IC50 value for MCF-7 was 121.2±12 ug/ml.</p> H A Jawad E J Kadhim Copyright (c) 2024 H A Jawad, E J Kadhim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.4164 Exploring genetic variability, diversity and trait associations in sunnhemp (Crotolaria juncea L.) accessions for yield improvement https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4737 <p>Sunnhemp (Crotolaria juncea L.) is an important fibre crop known for its rapid growth and ability to improve soil fertility, making it a vital component of sustainable agriculture. However, to enhance its productivity and meet the increasing demand for high-quality fibre, it is crucial to identify and utilize genetically diverse genotypes with superior yield traits. The present study was conducted at the Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, Aduthurai, Tamil Nadu, during the Kharif seasons of 2021 and 2022 to assess genetic variability and character association for yield and its component traits among 67 sunnhemp genotypes. Multivariate analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis, were conducted using R software to dissect the phenotypic diversity among the genotypes. The results revealed substantial genetic variability for yield and its associated traits, indicating a promising potential for genetic improvement. Genotypes ADSH 1750, ADSH 1701, ADSH 1736, ADSH 1715, and ADSH 1742 exhibited superior performance in key yield-related traits, making them valuable candidates for future breeding programs focused on developing high-yielding, high-fibre varieties. Cluster analysis delineated four distinct clusters, with Clusters I and IV showing significant divergence and highlighting the presence of unique genetic material. Key plant production traits such as plant height, leaf breadth, basal stem diameter, yield, and number of leaves were the primary contributors to the first two principal components. These findings suggest that direct selection based on these traits could effectively improve biomass yield in future sunnhemp breeding efforts, contributing to the advancement of sustainable fibre crop production.</p> R Pushpa A Shanmugam R Arulmozhi D Sassikumar R Suresh K Subrahmaniyan Copyright (c) 2025 R Pushpa, A Shanmugam, R Arulmozhi, D Sassikumar, R Suresh, K Subrahmaniyan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.4737 In vitro efficacy of organic amendments and biocontrol agents against Sclerotium rolfsii causing groundnut stem rot disease https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5238 <p>Groundnut is a crucial oil seed crop cultivated worldwide and often referred to as the "King of Oil Seeds." However, its productivity is significantly reduced by various biotic and abiotic stresses. Among these, soil-borne fungal infections, particularly stem rot disease caused by<em> Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc</em>., pose a major threat, potentially leading to yield losses of up to 80 percent. In this study, stem rot-infected samples were collected from five major groundnut-growing districts in Tamil Nadu, India, and nine isolates of <em>S. rolfsii</em> were obtained. Based on pathogenicity tests, the most virulent isolate was identified and characterized at the molecular level. The pathogen produces a resting structure called sclerotia, which survives in soil for many years. Considering the ill effects of chemical methods of management, the present study is focused on non-chemical methods using organic amendments and biocontrol agents against the pathogen. Six amendments, viz., groundnut cake, neem cake, castor cake, cotton cake, sesame cake, and cow manure, were tested against <em>S. rolfsii</em> under in vitro conditions at two concentrations (5 % and 10 %). Among these, sesame cake exhibited the highest inhibition of 48.36 percent and 63.80 percent at 5 percent and 10 percent concentrations, respectively. Through GC-MS analysis, the bioactive compounds, viz., 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z) - (100%) and 9-Octadecenoic acid (E) - (76.13%), responsible for pathogen inhibition were identified. Furthermore, rhizospheric bacterial biocontrol agents were evaluated against S. rolfsii, which revealed that isolate B2 showed maximum inhibition (79.48%). The bacterial isolate B2 was molecularly characterized and confirmed as Bacillus subtilis (PP882830).</p> B Deepika J Sheela N Indra R Kalaiyarasi K N Navamaniraj Copyright (c) 2024 B Deepika, J Sheela, N Indra, R Kalaiyarasi, K N Navamaniraj https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.5238 Optimization of irrigation and nitrogen for sustainable rice cultivation: emissions and yield impact https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6078 <p>Rice cultivation is integral to global food security and exports but contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, mainly methane (CH?) and nitrous oxide (N?O), exacerbating climate change. This study evaluates the effects of three irrigation practices-conventional flooding (CF), alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and the modified system of rice intensification (MSRI) on CH? and N?O emissions and rice yields over two seasons (Kar 2022 and Samba 2023). A split-plot design with five nitrogen management strategies was employed, with weekly gas sampling and yield measurements at harvest. Among the treatments, the MSRI method, combined with 75% of the recommended nitrogen dose and a 0.4% foliar nano-urea spray (M3S5), recorded the lowest CH? emissions at 50-60 mg CH?/m²/day, compared to 120-130 mg CH?/m²/day under CF. In contrast, N?O emissions under MSRI peaked at 11-13 µg N?O/m²/day, higher than CF (5-7 µg N?O/m²/day). MSRI also achieved the highest rice yields, averaging 6029 kg/ha in Kar 2022 and 6018 kg/ha in Samba 2023, compared to 5500-5700 kg/ha under AWD. These findings highlight the potential of MSRI with optimized nitrogen management as a sustainable alternative, balancing high productivity with reduced CH? emissions and offering a pathway for climate-resilient rice farming.</p> S Ashwini N Sakthivel S Pazhanivelan K Ramah P Janaki V Ravichandran Copyright (c) 2025 Ashwini S, Sakthivel N, Pazhanivelan S, Ramah K, Janaki P, Ravichandran V https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-25 2025-01-25 12 1 10.14719/pst.6078 A high throughput investigation on transfer tools for nematodes in various suspension https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6506 <p>This study evaluates the efficiency of three different tools-forceps, needle and wire pick for<br />transferring Root-Knot Nematode (RKN) females in various suspension media (water, formalin and<br />lactophenol). The performance of each tool was assessed based on picking time, number of females<br />transferred per minute, damage rates and overall picking efficiency. The wire picks consistently<br />demonstrated the highest picking efficiency, achieving 99 % in water suspension, 98 % in formalin<br />suspension and 98 % in lactophenol suspension. It outperformed both the forceps and needle in<br />terms of speed, precision and minimal damage. The forceps showed lower efficiency and higher<br />damage, particularly in water and lactophenol suspensions, while the needle, though more efficient<br />than the forceps, was less effective compared to the wire pick in all scenarios. These findings<br />highlight the wire pick as the most effective tool for RKN female and vermiform nematode transfer<br />across different media and emphasize the need for selecting appropriate tools to optimize nematode<br />handling in research and practical applications.</p> P Kalaiarasan J Berliner P Senthilkumar A Arun Copyright (c) 2025 P Kalaiarasan, J Berliner, P Senthilkumar, A Arun https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.6506 Soil constraints and recommendations for improving major farming in Vinh Long province, Vietnam https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/2679 <p>This study aims to assess the potential of soil and its constraints for production to meet economic needs and diversify types of crop models of Vinh Long province in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta region. Identifying the main constraints of the soil is the basis for reasonable land arrangement and proposing measures to maintain and improve the soil characteristics suitable for each crop type and purpose of use. The study used survey methods, interviewed farmers about the current farming situation and collected soil samples to analyze physical and chemical properties. Research results show that in Vinh Long, for three main crops, namely rice, fruit trees (grapefruit trees) and sweet potatoes, the primary constraints are a potential and active acid sulfate and low pH soil. In addition, Al toxicity causes phosphorus fixation, the exchangeable K content is low and the organic matter is only moderate. These limitations have affected crop productivity, especially for fruit trees. The research results also recommended improving soil properties suitable for the cultivation of major crops, including controlling the water level so as not to oxidize the sulfidic material to active acid sulfate soils, draining the water at the beginning of the season rain to leach the toxicity in the soil and need to fertilize with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium supplements for a long time, divided into several times of application. </p> V Q Minh Vu P Thanh T V Hung P C Dang P N Phat L H Vu T Tuan Copyright (c) 2025 Vo Quang Minh, Pham Thanh Vu, Tran Van Hung, Pham Cam Dang, Pham Ng?c Phat, Le Huy Vu, Tran Tuan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.2679 In vitro anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxic effect of Citrus reticulata- and Citrus limonum-incorporated hydroxyapatite nanoparticles https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3697 <p>Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is an excellent biocompatible material with osteoconductive potential. Numerous studies have reported the potential role of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles in bone tissue engineering because of their bone cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Likewise<strong>,</strong> citrus fruits possess anti-oxidant properties. Anti-oxidants are found to reduce oxidative stress, which in turn is found to be effective in bone remodelling. Also, the ease, cheap availability, and potential benefits make citrus fruits a material of choice. So, this study aimed to green synthesize <em>Citrus reticulata- </em>and <em>Citrus limonum</em>-mediated HAP nanoparticles. The green synthesis of <em>C. reticulata- </em>and <em>C. limonum-</em>mediated HAP nanoparticles were conducted and the anti-inflammatory properties of the nanoparticles were assessed using the membrane stabilization assay, the bovine serum albumin denaturation assay, and the egg albumin denaturation assay. The cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles was also assessed, and the assay used for evaluation was brine shrimp lethality. The successful green synthesis of <em>C. reticulata- </em>and <em>C. limonum</em>-mediated HAP nanoparticles was done. Also, the results revealed that the anti-inflammatory actions of the green synthesized nanoparticle are comparable with the standard. Based on the study results, it was revealed that the green synthesized <em>C. reticulata- </em>and <em>C. limonum-</em>mediated HAP nanoparticles are non-cytotoxic and possess anti-inflammatory activity.</p> Ajithan S Lakshmi Ganapathy Dhanraj M Shanmugam Rajeshkumar Copyright (c) 2025 Ajithan S Lakshmi , Ganapathy Dhanraj M , Shanmugam Rajeshkumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-05 2025-02-05 12 1 10.14719/pst.3697 Effect of integrating organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on growth, root morphology, yield parameters and yield of improved black kavuni rice variety (CO 57) https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4197 <p>The growing demand for high-quality rice and rice products is motivating farmers to cultivate traditional rice varieties. To meet this demand, rice production must increase significantly, which requires effective nutrient management practices. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the impact of integrated nutrient management practices on the growth, root morphology, yield parameters and overall yield of improved black Kavuni rice during the Early Kar season (April - August 2023) and Late Samba season (September - January, 2023-24). The experiment followed a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 12 treatments and 3 replications. Based on nitrogen (N) equivalence, appropriate amounts of inorganic fertilizers, farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC) and poultry manure (PM) were applied. Data on plant growth, root morphology, yield parameters and yield were recorded and analysed using LSD at a 5 % significance level. The results indicated that the treatment involving 50 % of the recommended nitrogen dose (RDN) from inorganic fertilizer, 50 % from vermicompost and foliar sprays of 0.5 % ZnSO? and 1 % FeSO? at the tillering, panicle initiation (PI) and flowering stages (T11) produced significantly better growth, root morphology and yield parameters. This treatment was statistically on par with the treatment involving 50 % RDN from inorganic fertilizer, 50 % from vermicompost and foliar sprays of 0.5 % ZnSO? and 1 % FeSO? at the tillering and panicle initiation stages (T8).</p> A Udhaya S Radhamani G S Kumar V Ravichandhran P Janaki S Manonmani Copyright (c) 2024 A Udhaya, S Radhamani, G S Kumar, V Ravichandhran, P Janaki, S Manonmani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.4197 Growth, productivity, quality and profitability of organic finger millet under cultivar and nutrient management options https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4763 <p>Cultivars and nutrient management determine productivity and quality of the organic finger millet. A field trial was carried out during the kharif season 2022 at Binjhagiri, Bhubaneswar, Odisha comprising the four cultivars of finger millet and four nutrient management practices through organic manure combinations with split plot design replicated thrice. The four cultivars namely, C1- ‘Arjuna’, C2- ‘Bhairabi’, C3- ‘Chilika’ and C4- ‘Kalua’ were assigned to the main plots. Recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) such as 50 kg ha-1 was supplied through varying percentage of organic manures namely, farmyard manure (FYM), neem oilcake (NOC) and vermicompost (VC). Four nutrient management practices such as N1- FYM (RDN100), N2- FYM (RDN40) + NOC (RDN30) + VC (RDN30), N3- FYM (RDN50) + NOC (RDN25) + VC (RDN25), N4- FYM (RDN60) + NOC (RDN20) + VC (RDN20) were assigned to the sub-plots. Combination of the treatments viz., C3N2, C4N2, C3N3 and C4N3 excelled over the others for grain and protein yields and profitability, but treatment combination C4N2 was the most promising considering the parameters like grain yield (2.10 tha-1), net return (Rs. 36940 ha-1), protein yield (165.75 kg ha-1), calcium yield (7.34 kg ha-1) and iron yield (0.137 kg ha-1). There was significant positive correlation of grain yield with all growth-yield parameters, except test weight, whereas regression analysis indicated 70.86, 85.21 and 73.45% contribution of tillers hill-1, dry matter production and leaf area index at harvest, respectively, to variations in grain yield. The organic finger millet growers should cultivate cv. ‘Kalua’ with application of FYM+NOC+VC @ 4.35+0.34+0.6 t ha-1 for achieving maximum yield and grain quality.</p> R K Sahoo S D Behera B Behera J Jena G Mishra S Dash S S Mahapatra Copyright (c) 2025 R K Sahoo, S D Behera, B Behera, J Jena, G Mishra, S Dash, S S Mahapatra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.4763 Assessment of coloured sticky traps for the monitoring of flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in radish crop https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6098 <p>Flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.) are herbivores that feed on Brassica plants and pose a significant threat, leading to considerable economic losses. Considering the increasing infestation of flea beetles in radish-growing areas across India, this study evaluated the effectiveness of coloured sticky traps - yellow, blue and white - in monitoring adult flea beetle, Phyllotreta chotanica Duvivier, populations in a radish field. The population density of flea beetles and percent leaf infestation was assessed weekly during trap capture observations across the radish crop cycle, from sowing to harvest. Blue traps were the most effective, with a peak of 7.00 ± 2.92 beetles per week at 49 days after sowing (DAS) and a mean of 4.89 beetles/week. Yellow traps also performed well, peaking at 7.00 ± 1.69 at 56 DAS, with a mean of 4.53 beetles/week. White traps were the least effective, with a mean of 2.89 beetles/week. Our findings indicate that blue and yellow traps captured the highest number of adult flea beetles, consistent with prior research demonstrating a preference for blue and yellow traps in agricultural settings. This study supports blue and yellow sticky traps as one of the better-integrated pest management (IPM) tools to implement as a prophylactic method of pest control for flea beetles in radish cultivation. </p> C Benakashree M Shanthi M Murugan P S Shanmugam S Harish K Govindan Copyright (c) 2025 C Benakashree, M Shanthi, M Murugan, P S Shanmugam, S Harish, K Govindan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-21 2025-01-21 12 1 10.14719/pst.6098 Assessment of polyclonal derivatives for morphological traits and hybridity analysis using SSR markers in cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6854 <p>Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is increasingly cultivated as an intercrop in South India, necessitating the development of high-yielding, region-specific varieties. As a self-incompatible crop, establishing polyclonal orchards with cross-compatible varieties and producing full-sib hybrids through controlled pollination is vital for genetic improvement. Evaluation of half-sib and full-sib progenies was undertaken in polyclonal cocoa gardens situated at Coconut Research Station, Aliyar Nagar and Horticulture Research Station, Thadiyankudisai, under the auspices of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Pods developed from the natural cross and cross-made using caging techniques were evaluated, and seeds were sown to assess the performance of the hybrids. The findings illustrated the highest germination percentage in the half-sib cross CCRP 5 × X (89.66 %), followed by CCRP 4 × X (85.57 %). The highest value for plant morphological characters like plant height (2.11 m), stem girth (15.7 cm) and jorquette height (1.58 m) was recorded in CCRP 5 × X. Among the full-sib progenies, the highest germination percentage (86.1) was recorded by FS 17 (CCRP 3 × CCRP 5), followed by FS 18 (CCRP 5 × CCRP 3) (81.8). The hybridity of the seedlings was tested using SSR markers, which confirmed that out of 26 full-sib crosses, 16 exhibited a heterozygous nature. These findings demonstrate the potential of selected progenies to serve as valuable genetic resources for breeding programs aimed at enhancing cocoa productivity and sustainability in South India.</p> V Jegadeeswari K Padmadevi K.R Vijayalatha J Suresh Copyright (c) 2025 V Jegadeeswari, K Padmadevi , K.R Vijayalatha, J Suresh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-04 2025-02-04 12 1 10.14719/pst.6854 Effect of low temperature plasma on the growth and nutrients of lettuces under salt stress https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3115 <p>The effects of helium plasma seed treatment on lettuce growth under salt stress were studied. Lettuce seeds were treated with an atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) helium plasma at different discharge voltages and then planted in different concentrations of salt solution hydroponic tanks. The results show that under the same NaCl concentration (6 g/L), with the increase of the treatment voltage, the growth and quality of the lettuces gradually improved, as confirmed by the measurement of seedling height, root length, the contents of chlorophyll and nitrogen in the leaves. Similarly, under the same treatment voltage (45 kV), with an increase in NaCl concentration, the promotion effect of plasma treatment gradually strengthens, as verified through significance analysis. These results indicate that plasma seed treatment could improve the salt resistance of lettuces.</p> Xin Liu Dan Zhang Junwei Guo Cheng Yang Shaohuang Bian A Lusi Baoxia Li Qinxiu Gao Xiaojiang Tang Lianfeng Lin Wenping Lu Feng Huang Copyright (c) 2024 Xin Liu, Dan Zhang, Junwei Guo, Cheng Yang, Shaohuang Bian, A Lusi, Baoxia Li, Qinxiu Gao, Xiaojiang Tang, Lianfeng Lin, Wenping Lu, Feng Huang https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.3115 Optimal potassium fertilization mitigates drought stress effects on sugarcane growth and physiology https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3741 <p>Sugarcane is a key global crop, providing up to 60 % of raw sugar material. However, abiotic stress factors, especially water scarcity, significantly limit its productivity by reducing nutrient uptake and transport within the plant. Ensuring proper nutrition is essential to improve stress tolerance and maintain sugarcane yield. This study conducted a two-factor experiment following a completely randomized design in a greenhouse to evaluate the effects of potassium application (in soil) on the growth and physiology of a sugarcane cultivar named ROC27 (ROC27 cv.) under a drought condition. The first factor was potassium application (in the form of potassium oxide) with 4 different rates, including K1 (0 kg/ha), K2 (100 kg/ha), K3 (150 kg/ha) and K4 (200 kg/ha), while the second factor was irrigation with 2 treatments: control (normal irrigation daily); drought (no irrigation from 100-120 days after planting). Here, we revealed that drought significantly affected sugarcanes' growth and physiological characteristics as it decreased plant height, stem diameter, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic efficiency, total plant dry weight and stem fresh weight. Different rates of potassium oxide application in the soil also showed different influences on the growth and development of sugarcane. Applying 100 kg/ha potassium oxide resulted in the highest growth and physiological performance under drought conditions. Furthermore, plants from this treatment also recorded the highest stem fresh weight of ROC27 at the end of the recovery period (20 days of re-watering after drought treatments). Taken together, these results indicate that an appropriate amount of potassium oxide application significantly enhanced sugarcane physiological traits and mitigated the adverse effects of drought on plant growth and development.</p> Anh Tuan Le Nguyen Nguyen Chuong Ngoc Thang Vu Thai-Hoang Dinh The Khuynh Bui Copyright (c) 2025 Anh Tuan Le, Nguyen Nguyen Chuong, Ngoc Thang Vu, Thai-Hoang Dinh, The Khuynh Bui https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-25 2025-02-25 12 1 10.14719/pst.3741 Botanical and SFE aided need base systemic scientific inaugurate of Delphinium denudatum root Wall. an unexplored jeopardise medicinal plant https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4249 <p>The endangered medicinal plant Delphinium denudatum Wall. is widely recognized by the medical community for its potential in treating neurological disorders. Despite its known health benefits, it has not been thoroughly investigated. Further research is required using scientifically recognized analytical techniques to fully explore its therapeutic potential. <br />The use of traditional methods for extracting botanicals raises concerns about both environmental damage and potential health risks due to the extensive use of organic solvents. In response to these issues, this research utilizes environmentally-conscious and eco-friendly methods for botanical extraction. Recently, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) has emerged as a preferred technique for extracting plant material due to its high efficiency and yield. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the solvent of choice in SFE because of its effective diffusion into plant material at low temperatures, as well as its environmentally friendly properties. <br />In this study, the optimal conditions for SFE were determined to be a pressure of 200 bar, a temperature of 80 °C and a CO2 flow rate of 15 g. min-1 to achieve to achieve maximum yield of Delphinium root extract (DRE). The result demonstrated that SFE produced an optimal extract yield with three productivity levels: level-I (0.8 % w/w), level-II (1.2 % w/w) and level-III (0.95 % w/w). Furthermore, a botanical examination verified the integrity of cell structures, while physicochemical evaluations help establish quality standards for the extract. <br />Phytometabolites mapping of the SFE- derived DRE was performed using HPTLC under various conditions, including daylight, postderivatization and at 254 nm and 366 nm. Additionally, community reports validated the effectiveness of DDR against harmful microorganisms, with zones of inhibition observed against Staphylococcus aureus (ZI: 5.21 ± 0.29); Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ZI: 7.48 ± 0.53); Aspergillus niger (ZI: 8.15 ± 0.9) at concentrations of 100 ?g mL-1 and 500 ?g mL-1 of the DRE respectively. <br />In conclusion, this research strongly supports the use of D. denudatum extracts obtained via SFE as a potential treatment for various pathogenic disease. To the best of our knowledge, there is no previous scientific evidence documenting the successful extraction of D. denudatum using SFE. Additionally, the protective properties of SFE-derived DRE against pathogenic microorganisms had not been previously explored. Thus, the present study identifies D. denudatum as a promising candidate for the development of drugs to combat pathogenic infections.</p> Nadeem Ahmad Siddique Copyright (c) 2025 Nadeem Ahmad Siddique https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-12 2025-01-12 12 1 10.14719/pst.4249 Eco-investments: Quantification of carbon sequestration potential and economic valuation of multifunctional agroforestry system https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4820 <p>The study was carried out to quantify the carbon stock and sequestration potential of the multifunctional agroforestry (MFA) system established for small and marginal farmers in Tamil Nadu, India. The MFA consists of 316 multi-utility trees and shrubs across four quadrats and border trees on a 0.75 acre land. The results showed significant variation in the above-ground and below-ground carbon stock among the different tree and shrub species. Neolamarckia cadamba recorded the highest above and below-ground stock of 70.65 kg tree-1 and 18.37 kg tree-1, respectively. The total carbon sequestered by the vegetation was 3.82 tons (3823.94 kg), with the highest contribution from Quadrat II (1591.85 kg) and the lowest from border trees (132.30 kg). The soil organic carbon (SOC) stock decreased with increasing depth, with the maximum stock observed in the 0–20 cm layer. The total change in SOC stock from the MFA during the study period was 12.99 mg ha-1, with a carbon sequestration rate of 0.18 mg ha-1 yr-1. The total carbon revenue from the vegetation and soil was estimated at US$ 311.4 (US$ 140.3 from vegetation and US$ 171.1 from soil). The findings highlight the significant potential of MFA systems in carbon sequestration and mitigation of climate change, particularly for small and marginal farmers in developing countries.</p> P M Rachana I Sekar K T Parthiban S V Raj F M Akshay D Singh B Sivakumar M Kiruba M S Murthy Copyright (c) 2024 P M Rachana, I Sekar, K T Parthiban, S V Raj, F M Akshay, D Singh, B Sivakumar, M Kiruba, M S Murthy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-06 2025-01-06 12 1 10.14719/pst.4820 Corticolous crustose lichens in Pangasinan, Philippines, including one new country record https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6116 <p>Corticolous crustose lichens are one of the understudied groups of lichens in the Philippines due to the limited research and insufficient taxonomical knowledge among these taxa. This study extends the inventory of corticolous crustose lichens in western Pangasinan, Philippines, specifically in Alaminos city tree park, an area established in local reforestation efforts. Morphological, anatomical, and chemical characterizations were done to identify the lichen species. Character and character states of the ascomata, hymenium, exciple, ascus, ascospore, and lichenic acid were examined. Moreover, a provisional dichotomous key was created. This survey identified ten lichen species across five families. The crustose families were Arthoniaceae, Coenogoniaceae, Graphidaceae, Malmideaceae, and Trypetheliaceae. The species identified were Coniocarpon cinnabarinum, Coenogonium geralense, Carbacanthographis albolirellata, Diorygma confluens, Graphis furcata, Graphis lineola, Malmidea subgranifera, Nigrovothelium inspersotropicum, Sarcographa labyrinthica, and Trypethelium eluteriae. The Graphidaceae family has the highest number, with four species, followed by Trypetheliaceae, with two species. The Arthoniaceae, Coenogoniaceae, and Malmidaceae families have only lichen species each. Notably, Carbacanthographis albolirellata represents a new distribution record for the Philippines. The richness of corticolous crustose lichen species in Alaminos City Tree Park is relatively low. Nevertheless, the one newly recorded species in the Philippines added valuable insights to the limited lichen research.</p> Fajardo Weenalei Doria Mark Anthony Copyright (c) 2025 Fajardo Weenalei, Doria Mark Anthony https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-25 2025-02-25 12 1 10.14719/pst.6116 Influence of organic inputs on the grain quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3195 <p>Wheat grain quality is a major concern as it feed a large population of the world and it is also a chief source of nutrition in developing countries. Extensive research has been carried out to enhance its nutritional value and quality and nutrient supply is one of the most favorable procedures. The present study also focusses on improving and analysing grain quality traits through addition of organic inputs such as FYM, vermicompost and biofertilizers and was conducted at Trans-Gangetic regions (Punjab) in a loamy sand soil with medium levels of available nitrogen. The experiment consisted of different levels of FYM, vermicompost, inorganic fertilizers (to supply N) and biofertilizer inoculation and unfertilized control. Among various organic treatments, higher FYM level, FYM250+Biof had the highest GAS (5.93 and 5.63), SDS-sedimentation value (49.7 and 35.3 cc) and protein content (12.4 and 12.3%) during both the years. Significantly lower phenol reaction score was also observed with FYM250+Biof (3.3 and 4.2 for the year 2016-17 and 2017-18). Also, the micro-nutrient content (Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn) was significantly higher with organic inputs indicating wide range of nutrient supply and improved status of soil. Protein being a chief factor to influence various quality parameters had strong correlation with grain hardness (r = 0.946 and 0.961), hectolitre weight (r = 0.943 and 0.846), SDS (r = 0.979 and 0.963) and gluten. PRS, an undesirable factor, had negative correlation with all the other factors. Micronutrients, such as Cu, Fe Zn and Mn also had variable correlation with different parameters.</p> M Kaur H Kaur C S Aulakh Copyright (c) 2025 Manvir Kaur, Harinderjeet Kaur, Charanjit Singh Aulakh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-07 2025-02-07 12 1 10.14719/pst.3195 Analysis of nutritional and antioxidant components of ice plant grown in An Giang, Vietnam https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3944 <p>The ice plants are a new crop that has recently received attention in Vietnam because they have outstanding characteristics such as being able to grow in drought conditions, saline soil, and prolonged cold weather and plants with economic potential for climate change adaptation. Currently, this vegetable plant is being in trial cultivation and is expected to be widely commercialized in the Vietnamese market soon. Therefore, the study analyzed macro and micronutrients, amino acids components, bioactive compounds, and the antioxidant ability of ice plant vegetables grown in an experimental area of An Giang University. Analytical results showed that ice plant has nutritional components such as moisture 96.9 ± 0.85%, protein 0.74 ± 0.01%, carbohydrate 0.83 ± 0.03%, ash 1.43 ± 0.06%, solute fiber 0.11 ± 0.01%, insoluble fiber 0.22 ± 0.02% (fresh weight-FW), except lipid that was not detected. It was also found to contain 14 amino acids such as alanine, leucine, lysine, aspartic acid, valine, glutamic acid, glycine, isoleucine, arginine, and phenylalanine ranged from 15.32 to 42.43 mg/100g FW; serine, histidine, proline, and methionine ranged from 1.83 to 7.17 mg/100g FW); and 8 minerals such as potassium and sodium ranged from 3518 to 3713 mg/kg FW; magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium ranged from 84.4 to 142.0 mg/kg FW; iron, zinc, and manganese ranged from 0.85 to 3.27 mg/kg FW. In addition, the ice plant possessed a lot of bioactive compounds such as polyphenol 187.72 mgGAE/100g FW, flavonoid 22.08 mgQE/100g FW, tannin 50.28 mgTAE/100g FW, saponin 88.44 mgSE/100g FW, alkaloid 195.00 mgCE/100g FW, carotenoids 0.57 mg/g FW and total chlorophyll 7.18 mg/g FW. The antioxidant ability of the crude ethanol extract was 78.50% (DPPH) and 66.11 mM FeSO4/100g FW (FRAP). The ice plant can be considered a super plant that has the potential to become a food source supplying essential nutrition components for humans.</p> Tan Nguyen Duy Loan Vang Thi Tuyet Khai Tran Van Tuyen Vo Thi Xuan Copyright (c) 2025 Tan Nguyen Duy , Loan Vang Thi Tuyet, Khai Tran Van , Tuyen Vo Thi Xuan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-05 2025-02-05 12 1 10.14719/pst.3944 Impact of salt stress on physiological traits in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4282 <p>Salt stress is a major abiotic factor that limits plant growth and development globally, primarily due to the use of low-quality irrigation water and soil salinization caused by seawater intrusion. This study examines physiological parameters, antioxidant enzymes and the K/Na ratio in response to salt stress in various tomato genotypes at a salinity level of 8 dS m-1 during the vegetative stage. Specifically, it investigates superoxide dismutase activity, relative water content, electrolyte leakage, proline content, chlorophyll fluorescence and potassium and sodium ion content in roots, shoots and leaves. The results revealed significant variation in salt tolerance among the different genotypes. Genotypes LE-14 and LE-1 demonstrated superior performance under salt stress, displaying higher relative water content, reduced electrolyte leakage, increased superoxide dismutase activity, elevated proline content and favorable K/Na ratios. Principal component analysis showed significant eigenvalues, accounting for 72.5% of the total variability. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of salt tolerance in tomato crops and highlight the potential of LE-14 and LE-1 for cultivation in saline environments. The study emphasizes the importance of conducting field trials to validate these results for sustainable production in saltaffected areas.</p> M Kumar K Vanitha A Sankari Copyright (c) 2025 M Kumar, K Vanitha, A Sankari https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-13 2025-02-13 12 1 10.14719/pst.4282 Impact of drip fertigation on nutrient use efficiency, dynamics, water productivity and bulb yield in Aggregatum onion https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5937 <p>A field experiment was conducted on aggregatum onion (Allium cepa L. var. aggregatum Don.) under a drip irrigation system to evaluate the water productivity, nutrient use efficiency, nutrient dynamics and yield of onion in order to optimize the best fertigation level. The experiment was designed in a Randomized Block Design (RBD), with treatments replicated 3 times. The treatment details are as follows: T1-100 % nitrogen (N) through fertigation with100 % phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) applied as basal; T2 - 100 % N and K through venturi as fertigation and basal application of 100 % P; T3 - 100 % N, P and K through fertigation; T4 – 75 % N, P and K through fertigation with basal application of 25 % N, P and K; T5 – 75 % N through fertigation with 75 % P and K applied as basal; T6 - 75 % N and K through venturi as fertigation with basal application of 75 % P; T7 - 75 % N, P and K through fertigation; T8 – 75 % of N, P and K through fertigation and 25 % of 75 % N, P and K applied as basal; T9 - 50 % N 100 % P and K applied as basal and 50 % N applied on 30 DAT; T10 - absolute control (no fertilizer). The results indicated that the bulb yield of aggregatum onion was significantly higher in 100 % N, P and K through fertigation (23.24 to 23.47 t ha-1). Among the different fertigation treatments, the 100 % N, P and K through fertigation recorded higher water use efficiency (75.08 to 78.44 kg/ha mm), water productivity (7.841 to 7.508 kg m-3) and nutrient use efficiency, which was comparable to the 75 % N, P and K through fertigation.</p> S K Natarajan T Sampathkumar J Bhuvaneswari M Manikandan S Thenmozhi Copyright (c) 2024 S K Natarajan, T Sampathkumar, J Bhuvaneswari, M Manikandan, S Thenmozhi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.5937 Seasonal dynamics of arthropods in Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) and nutritional link to rodent foraging https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6125 <p>Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) is a highly nutritive crop with more vitamins and minerals used as a fodder legume since it is available throughout the year. In the Coimbatore district farmers prefer lucerne as a fodder crop because of its quality, year-round production, and seed yield fetches a high price. The monitoring study on lucerne crop pests, natural enemies and pollinators was conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore for three seasons from October 2021 to June 2024. The major sucking pests observed in Lucerne were aphids (Aphis craccivora Koch) and stink bugs (Nezara virudula, (L.)) and the natural enemy observed was coccinellid predators (Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius)). Natural enemies such as the Ladybird beetle (Coccinella repanda Thunberg) and Paper wasp (Polistes exclamans Vierick) were also documented as crucial in regulating these pest populations. The study also observed a diverse range of pollinators including the Alfalfa Leafcutter bee (Megachile rotundata (Fabricius)), various butterflies, and several species of bees that are vital for effective pollination and enhanced crop quality. The population of aphids and stink bugs ranged from 0.00 to 1.47 and from 0.00 to 1.35, respectively, from April to May. In contrast, from November to February, the aphid population varied from 0.07 to 0.45, while the stink bug population ranged from 0.02 to 0.38. The maximum population of coccinellids was recorded at 3.16 in October 2023. The correlation of pest and predator population with weather parameters showed maximum and minimum temperatures favoured the population development while it was negatively correlated with relative humidity and rainfall. Profiling of root nutrients showed lucerne roots contain a significant amount of essential nutrients that meet the dietary requirements of mice.</p> K Premalatha J N Prithiva S Leelavathi R Pushpam Copyright (c) 2024 K Premalatha, J N Prithiva, S Leelavathi, R Pushpam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-20 2025-01-20 12 1 10.14719/pst.6125 Unravelling the anti-inflammatory activity of Cyperus rotundus essential oil through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, network pharmacology, and molecular docking approaches https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3997 <p>Cyperus rotundus rhizome is used in the traditional system of medicine to treat various diseases. The rhizomes of this plant are traditionally used as medicine for treatments of stomach pain, bowel disorders, and inflammatory pain. The present study aims to characterize the chemical constituents of the C. rotundus rhizomes essential oil (CREO) and to evaluate its possible mechanism of action as an anti-inflammatory agent by an integrative approach of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), network pharmacology, and molecular docking analysis. The compound-target-disease network revealed cubenol, gamma murolene, cyperotundone, delta selinene, alpha copaene, alpha pinene, and beta caryophyllene are core compounds with higher degree values. Protein-protein interaction analysis revealed IL1B, IL10, IL6, PTGS2, TNF, and STAT3 as hub targets. A total of 1000 biological processes, 142 cellular components, and 241 molecular functional pathways were enriched. Molecular docking analysis revealed that hub compounds and protein targets had strong binding affinity between them. The top two docked poses with the lowest binding energy were identified as PTGS2-Cubenol and IL10-Gamma murolene with binding energies of -7.9 and -7.2 kcal/mol, respectively. A molecular dynamics study revealed that the PTGS2-Cubenol and IL10-Gamma murolene complex had a good amount of deformability. These results demonstrated that CREO can act on numerous proteins and pathways to form a systematic pharmacological network, and they can be considered as a candidate drug for treating inflammatory-related disorders</p> K S Rani A Sahoo S Nayak P C Panda M Mohanty A Ray S Mohanty Copyright (c) 2025 K S Rani, A Sahoo, S Nayak , P C Panda , M Mohanty, A Ray, S Mohanty https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-21 2025-01-21 12 1 10.14719/pst.3997 Sun protection factor value of Rosa centifolia and Rosa alba from Merapi mountain Indonesian National Park and its potency as sunscreen https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4916 <p>The potential wild Rosa centifolia L. and Rosa alba extracts in the Sapuangin region of Merapi Mountain National Park have not been explored. This study investigated the phytochemical content, antioxidant activity, and potential of extracts from R. centifolia and R. alba as sunscreen. R. centifolia and R. alba simplicia were extracted with methanol and ethanol to obtain four rose extract types. Phytochemical content was investigated using qualitative assay. Spectrophotometry was used to determine total flavonoid (TFC) and phenolic content (TPC). Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Potential extracts as sunscreen were evaluated with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) assay. The qualitative phytochemical assay showed both ethanolic and methanolic extracts of R. centifolia contained saponin, tannin, flavonoid, and triterpenoid. Alkaloids were only contained in the methanolic extracts of R. centifolia. Ethanolic and methanolic extract of R. alba contained saponin and flavonoid. Alkaloid was present in the ethanolic extract of R. alba, while tannin is only in the methanolic extract of R. alba. The highest TFC was shown by methanolic extract of R. alba (68.132 ± 0.484 mg /QE/g). Methanolic extract of R. centifolia showed the highest TPC (253.090±2.530 mg GAE/g). Methanolic extract of R. centifolia exhibited IC50 values of DPPH scavenging 22,622 µg/mL and was categorized as a strong antioxidant activity. Likewise, the SPF value is the highest among the other extracts, namely 32.602 ± 0.430 at a concentration of 500 ppm. R. centifolia and R. alba ethanolic and methanolic extracts have the potential to be sued as candidates for antioxidant and sunscreen sources.</p> S S Widhiastuti N To'bungan Copyright (c) 2025 S S Widhiastuti, N To'bungan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-22 2025-02-22 12 1 10.14719/pst.4916 Export performance and direction of major agricultural commodities from Tamil Nadu https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6002 <p>Tamil Nadu is India's second-largest economy and its agricultural performance is also significant. The state has been involved in trading of agricultural commodities for many years. In recent years, due to change in export policy of major commodities, it is necessary to measure the performance and direction at state level. Hence, the present study aims to analyze the trends and direction of the trade for selected agricultural commodities from Tamil Nadu. Port-wise export data of the major agricultural commodities from Tamil Nadu were used to assess the export dynamics during 2007-2022. Non-basmati rice, pulses and groundnut were selected for the study based on their significance in the state agriculture as well as in the export trade. The results of the study revealed that the export growth of pulses was the highest among the selected commodities with 21.8% and 28.1% in terms of quantity and value respectively followed by non-basmati with 16.27% and 20.1% in quantity and value terms respectively. However, the growth rate of export quantity of groundnut was negative with -0.1% whereas export value growth was positive with 5.9%. This revealed that export performance of pulses and non-basmati rice was better than groundnut. The Direction of export analysis revealed that Bangladesh and Benin for non-basmati rice, Sri Lanka, China and Singapore for pulses and Sri Lanka and Singapore for Groundnut would be the stable market for export from Tamil Nadu.</p> G Ramalakshmi C Velavan C Muralidharan R Premavathi M Prahadeeswaran Copyright (c) 2025 G Ramalakshmi, C Velavan, C Muralidharan, R Premavathi, M Prahadeeswaran https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-21 2025-01-21 12 1 10.14719/pst.6002 Spatial yield estimation in rice using spectral indices derived from satellite datasets and DSSAT crop simulation model https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6162 <p>An inter-comparison of 2 rice yield estimation procedures namely, the Semi-Physical model and the Crop Simulation model, Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT), was conducted for the Samba Season (August 2023 to January 2024). This study focused on the Mayiladuthurai and Nagapattinam districts of Tamil Nadu. The Semi-Physical model utilized <br />satellite-derived remote sensing data, including Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR), Fraction of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (FPAR), Water stress, Temperature stress and crop physiological parameters such as Radiation Use Efficiency (RUE) and Harvest Index (HI), to estimate crop yield. The DSSAT crop simulation model estimated rice yield using inputs such as soil properties, weather data, genetic coefficients and crop management practices. The simulated yield was further integrated with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data to generate spatial yield maps. The generated yields were validated with Crop Cutting Experiment (CCE) based yield estimates. The DSSAT model demonstrated superior performance, achieving an agreement of 88.2% in the Mayiladuthurai district and 86.8% in the Nagapattinam district.</p> Singaram Manikandan Sellaperumal Pazhanivelan Kaliaperumal Ragunath Ramalingam Kumaraperumal A P Sivamurugan Marimuthu Raju Copyright (c) 2025 Singaram Manikandan , Sellaperumal Pazhanivelan , Kaliaperumal Ragunath , Ramalingam Kumaraperumal , A P Sivamurugan , Marimuthu Raju https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-23 2025-02-23 12 1 10.14719/pst.6162 Medicinal plants used in traditional bone setting by the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya, India https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4081 <p>Meghalaya is one of the 8 states of Northeastern India; it is known for its scenic beauty, unique culture, vibrant traditions and rich bio-diversity. Traditional bone setting is a field of study that focuses on ancient methods of treating bone fractures and joint dislocations, often practiced by traditional healers. This ancient art of healing fractures and musculoskeletal injuries has been passed down through generations, blending indigenous knowledge with practical experience. Conservation initiatives should also encourage the local communities to ensure sustainable practices that benefit both nature and people. The purpose of this study was to identify, document and preserve knowledge about the medicinal plants used in traditional bone settings by the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya. The data for the ethnobotanical study were collected by interviewing the traditional bone setters through a pre-structured questionnaire. Through extensive field surveys and interviews with 115 traditional bone setters, a total of 85 medicinal plant species (belonging to 44 families) were recorded. The Zingiberaceae family contributed the most species with 11 species, followed by Asteraceae with 7 plant species and Urticaceae with 6 species, Acanthaceae, Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, Amaranthaceae and Plantiginaceae with 3 species each, while other species were represented by 2 and 1 species. More scientific investigation is required to validate the folk claims/medicine and further research and validation of these practices could lead to the development of alternative or complementary therapies for bone-related ailments.</p> Lakhon M Hinge Risso Ana Imlikumba Duman Talom Inubo Rochill Amal Bawri Robindra Teron Copyright (c) 2025 Lakhon M Hinge, Risso Ana, Imlikumba, Duman Talom, Inubo Rochill, Amal Bawri, Robindra Teron https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.4081 Evaluation of glycemic index, glycemic load and biochemical traits of rice associated with anti-diabetic properties https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4457 <p>Diabetes mellitus, a modern lifestyle disease and metabolic disorder, is closely associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Research on carbohydrates, particularly white rice with a high glycemic index, has been linked to an increased risk of type II diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. In this study, we aimed to understand the nutritional composition, estimated glycemic index, and glycemic load of twenty-eight rice accessions, particularly focusing on those with low starch digestibility associated with low GI levels. The proximate composition analysis revealed that tested rice accessions exhibited higher levels of genetic variation for amylose (18.45 - 25.97%), phenolic content (5.00-34.08%), protein (5.52-14.54%), and crude fibre (1.64-3.91%) content in brown rice. Huge variability for estimat?ed glycemic index, ranging from low to high GI was observed among all the varieties (49.37 - 78.58%). Traditional varieties viz., Thavalakannan and Kavuni depicted low estimated glycemic index (49.37 % and 54.55 %) and moderate glycemic load (14.60 and 15.80), respectively. The estimated glycemic index exhibited significant and negative association with amylose (r = -0.57**), phenolic (r = -0.67**), and crude fibre (r = -0.52**) content. In contrast, glycemic load showed a significant positive correlation with the amount of carbohydrate content. Principal component analysis revealed considerable variability among rice accessions' biochemical traits with the first two principal components accounting for 68.57% of the total variance. The hierarchical clustering based on Darwin software identified two major clusters. Cluster I comprise popular varieties and Cluster II contains traditional varieties with low to moderate glycemic index. Moreover, identifying rice varieties with lower glycemic index can facilitate the development and enhancement of breeding lines for the diabetic population.</p> B N Rithesh S Ramchander S Manonmani D Uma S Rajeswari P Jeyaprakash Copyright (c) 2024 B N Rithesh, S Ramchander, S Manonmani, D Uma, S Rajeswari, P Jeyaprakash https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.4457 Digital database and mapping of pulse crops in the temperate areas of Jammu region https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5092 <p>Pulses are environmentally friendly, low in fat, calories, and salt, and rich in resistant starch, dietary fibre, minerals, and vitamins. They can thrive under stressful conditions and are often referred to as the "poor man's meat". With their low glycemic index, pulses help regulate blood sugar levels, making them beneficial for diabetes management. Additionally, they contribute to environmental sustainability by requiring less water and synthetic fertilizers, than other crops, while enhancing soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. Incorporating pulses into diets supports human health and promotes environmental sustainability, underscoring their importance in addressing food security and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. India leads global pulse production, contributing 25% to the total pulse production. In the Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K) region, 12,955 acres and 5,938 hectares are reportedly dedicated to pulse cultivation. According to digital database mapping, 98% of respondents in the study area cultivated Rajma, followed by black gram (79%), green gram (76%), horse gram (21%), French bean (19%), and red lentil (15%). The study revealed that all respondents used farmyard manure as a nutrient source, though application rates varied across regions and crop types. Hand weeding was the preferred weed control method across all farms. The findings also highlight a strong preference among farmers for organic farming over conventional methods, with many advocating for the increased promotion of organic practices. This research explores the current state of pulse production technologies, identifies limitations affecting their cultivation, and strategies to enhance productivity.</p> G Singh L K Sharma S Ojha Copyright (c) 2025 G Singh, L K Sharma, S Ojha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.5092 Relative toxicity of subspecies of Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki HD-1 and HD-73 against the larvae of legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata, F. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6035 <p>The legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata F. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a major insect pest of many edible legumes in various regions of America, Asia and Africa. The larvae cause serious damage to the reproductive parts of cowpea, pigeon pea and beans in India. Promotion and use of biopesticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is viewed as a viable alternative to synthetic pesticides. In this study, field populations of M. vitrata were collected from intensive legume-growing regions of India during years 2023 and 2024. A commercial formulation, Bt sub.sp. kurstaki HD-1 (Delfin®), along with reference strains of Bt sub.sp. kurstaki HD-1 and HD-73 were tested on the larvae of different M. vitrata populations collected across India to evaluate their relative effectiveness. The LC50 values ??estimated for Bt kurstaki HD-1 and Bt kurstaki HD-73 strains and a commercial formulation of Bt kurstaki HD-1 (Delfin®) against different field-collected populations of M. vitrata ranged from 1.097 to 1.829 ppm, 6.228 to 7.236 ppm and 2.894 to 4.930 ppm, respectively. The Bt kurstaki HD-1 strain harbouring multiple crystal proteins (Cry1Aa, Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry2A, Cry2B) were relatively more toxic to the larvae of M. vitrata than Bt kurstaki HD-73 which harbours a single Cry toxin i.e., Cry1Ac.</p> N Vijayakumari M Shanthi N Anusha M Murugan S Paripoorani S Varanavasiappan M Jayakanthan R G Gracy M Mohan Copyright (c) 2025 N Vijayakumari, M Shanthi, Nitta Anusha, M Murugan, S Paripoorani, S Varanavasiappan, M Jayakanthan, R Gandhi Gracy, M Mohan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-07 2025-02-07 12 1 10.14719/pst.6035 Effect of foliar application of nano micro nutrients and deficit irrigation on stay green characteristics and drought resistance in maize https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6283 <p>The stay-green character is a crucial trait linked to delayed leaf senescence, which enables the plant to continue photosynthetic activity for an extended time under early and terminal drought. Reduced water availability causes early leaf senescence, lower chlorophyll content and eventually poor yield in maize. The objectives were to quantify the effects of irrigation regimes, nanocomposite levels physiological parameters, yield attributes and yield of maize. The main plot treatments comprised of well irrigated and withheld irrigation, while the sub plot treatments consisted of different nanoparticles viz., ZnO, MnO, (ZnO + MnO), TNAU nano revive and ZnSO4 + MnSO4. The results revealed that higher dry matter production (5282 and 9891 kg/ha), leaf nitrogen (44.28 and 39.97), grain filling rate, grain filling duration (34.44 days), green leaf area (92.50%) and proline content (0.59 and 1.28 mg g -1) were recorded at tasseling and grain filling stage, respectively under well-irrigated conditions. Foliar spraying of ZnO (100 ppm) and MnO (20 ppm) nanocomposite, registered higher root biomass (24.21 and 32.11 g/plant), leaf nitrogen (44.6 and 39.1), dry matter production, green leaf area, lowest proline content which ultimately resulted in a higher number of cobs/plant, number of grains row/cob, number of grains/grain row, test weight (1000 grains weight), shelling percentage, crop water use (18.79 kg/ha/mm), grain yield (8.20 t/ha), stover yield (12.2 t/ha) and benefit cost ratio of 2.4. Thus, it could be concluded that well-irrigated condition followed by foliar spray with ZnO (100 ppm) and MnO (20 ppm) registered higher growth, yield attributes, yield, and economics.</p> P Kathirvelan S Vaishnavi V Manivannan M Djanaguiraman S Thiyageshwari Copyright (c) 2025 P Kathirvelan, S Vaishnavi, V Manivannan, M Djanaguiraman, S Thiyageshwari https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-30 2025-01-30 12 1 10.14719/pst.6283 Molecular identification and characterization of pathogenicity of fungal pathogens associated with crown rot disease in banana from Odisha, India https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4151 <p>Crown rot disease on banana varieties (Champa, Patakpura and G9) was identified in Odisha's 10 coastal districts during the post-harvest storage stage in 2022-23. Five crown fragments were taken for isolation from each variety of bananas based on symptom developments. Agar plate and standard blotter technique isolation procedures have been used to isolate 1210 fungal colonies, of which 584 representative colonies were purified from banana crown fragments. Different fungal colonies were purified, characterized and identified using morphological and molecular methods from G9 (244), Patakpura (205) and Champa (135) fungal colonies. Morphological identification of Fusarium and Colletotrichum isolates was madeusing colony morphology, pigmentation, the growth rate on the PDA plate and microscopic observation. Molecular identification of Fusarium and Colletotrichum isolates was done by amplifying the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the conserved ribosomal DNA, which includes 5.8S rDNA. Fusarium verticillioides, Fusarium equiseti, Fusarium oxysporum and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides were the 4 fungal isolates identified. The sequences of these fungi were deposited in the GenBank database (NCBI) under the accession numbers OQ363325 (Fusarium verticillioides), OP735534 (Fusarium equiseti), OQ438654 (Fusarium oxysporum) and PP448030 (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides). The neighbor-joining method was used to conduct phylogenetic analysis on the gene sequences. Pathogenicity test results revealed that all 4 isolated fungal strains produced similar crown rot symptoms on 3 varieties of banana fruits. Disease severity index and AUDPC indicated that the Fusarium strain is the most aggressive crown rot pathogen and the G9 is the more susceptible banana variety to crown rot pathogens in Odisha.</p> Manasranjan Rout Shyama Sundar Mahapatra Sushree Suparna Mahapatra Gopa Mishra Sweta Shikta Mahapatra Debashish Dash Diptanu Datta Tapas Ranjan Das Subrat Kumar Mahapatra Copyright (c) 2025 Manasranjan Rout, Shyama Sundar Mahapatra, Sushree Suparna Mahapatra, Gopa Mishra, Sweta Shikta Mahapatra, Debashish Dash, Diptanu Datta, Tapas Ranjan Das, Subrat Kumar Mahapatra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-25 2025-01-25 12 1 10.14719/pst.4151 Extended distribution of two orchids in Himachal Pradesh, Western Himalaya, India https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4691 <p>Here we present extended distribution of two orchid species in Himachal Pradesh. In India, Calanthe trulliformis King &amp; Pantl. was previously restricted to the eastern Himalayan region, is now documented for the first time in the western Himalayas. Additionally, Neottia longicaulis (King &amp; Pantl.) Szlach., earlier recorded from Uttarakhand and Sikkim, is now reported from Himachal Pradesh based on collections from Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kangra. Our findings include a detailed description, a photoplate, a locality map and comprehensive notes on these species' habitat, phenology, and distribution.</p> T Kamini K Rahul K Vikas Copyright (c) 2025 T Kamini, K Rahul, K Vikas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-25 2025-02-25 12 1 10.14719/pst.4691 Combining ability analysis for fruit yield and related traits in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) using Line × Tester mating design https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5176 <p>Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is a significant vegetable crop, widely cultivated and consumed in almost every household across India. Enhancing fruit production per unit area requires a focus on key traits such as early maturity, enhanced plant vigor and increased fruit yield. Consequently, crop breeding programs emphasize the development and commercialization of brinjal hybrids tailored to regional needs. Effective crop improvement hinges on selecting suitable parental lines and employing precise crossing techniques to generate hybrids with desirable agronomic traits. The present study was conducted to assess the combining ability for fruit yield and related traits in brinjal. The experiment was carried out during the Kharif season of 2023 and the summer season of 2024 at the Vegetable Research Centre, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India. A randomized block design (RBD) with three replications was utilized. The study involved 30 hybrid combinations derived from 13 brinjal genotypes, employing a line × tester mating design with 10 lines and 3 testers. Results indicated that among the parental genotypes, PBGL-5 (88.11), PBGL-7 (85.02) and Swarna Abhinav (67.80) demonstrated high general combining ability (GCA) for fruit yield and related traits. Among the hybrid combinations, Pusa Kaushal × Pant Samrat (153.16), Pusa Ankur × Kashi Uttam (126.37) and PBGL-5 × Pant Rituraj (116.77) exhibited superior specific combining ability (SCA) effects. These results highlight the potential of the identified parents and hybrids as promising genetic resources for future breeding programs aimed at hybrid development and yield enhancement. In conclusion, the identified genotypes and crosses with favorable GCA and SCA effects can serve as valuable candidates for breeding programs to develop high-yielding, region-specific brinjal hybrids. This study underscores the importance of systematic parental selection and hybrid evaluation in advancing brinjal crop improvement initiatives.</p> S Imamuddin S Dhirendra S K Rajesh S Satvinder Y R Raju J Udit K D Aakash Kuldeep K Hitaishi R Neelima Copyright (c) 2025 S Imamuddin, S Dhirendra, S K Rajesh, S Satvinder , Y R Raju, J Udit, K D Aakash, Kuldeep, K Hitaishi, R Neelima https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-25 2025-02-25 12 1 10.14719/pst.5176 Sustainable fodder crop-feed integration practices: Impact on dairy farm economics and agricultural diversity https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6067 <p>The study aimed to identify factors influencing feed purchase among dairy farmers in Tamil Nadu. The study highlights the crucial relationship between fodder crop cultivation and dairy farming economics. Local fodder crops like Hybrid Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum), Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) play a vital role in supplementing commercial cattle feed, potentially reducing feed costs by 15-20 %. Integrating sustainable fodder cultivation practices with commercial feed usage presents opportunities for improving dairy farm profitability while promoting agricultural diversity. A survey was conducted among 200 dairy farmers in the districts of Ariyalur and Perambalur to gain a deeper understanding of that consumer buying behaviour, cost of production, benefit-cost ratio, factors influence buying behaviour and constraints faced by the farmers while purchasing and using cattle feed, such as the fact that specific feeds are improperly prepared, that costs are prohibitively high and that obtaining credit to pay for feeds is difficult. Key determinants of feed choice include product-related factors, marketing, economic factors, distribution, farm and milk production, labour and Government support. It is concluded that producers, distributors and legislators have insightful information about how to raise feed quality, accessibility and affordability while also boosting the financial viability and sustainability of Tamil Nadus’ dairy industry.</p> J J Renu C Velavan A Rohini S Maruthasalam R P Selvi Copyright (c) 2025 Renu Janarthanan J, Velavan C, Rohini A, Maruthasalam S, Pangayar Selvi R https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-12 2025-01-12 12 1 10.14719/pst.6067 Anticariogenic potential of selected medicinal plants from Dayak Benuaq tribe, Indonesia https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3657 <p class="Abstract" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; margin: 5.65pt -.3pt 5.65pt 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Several selected medicinal plants from the indigenous Dayak Benuaq tribe of Indonesia were analyzed for their potential as anticariogenic. The plant parts of leaves, stems, roots, and tubers were extracted using methanol. <em>Streptococcus sobrinus </em>and<em> Streptococcus mutans</em> are used to determine antibacterial and anticariogenic activities. Toxicity activity was evaluated using <em>Artemia salina</em> with the brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLT) method. This study also calculated the content of total tannins, total flavonoids and total phenols. The results of this study indicate that four selected medicinal plants, namely <em>Cratoxylum sumatranum </em>(Jack) Blume., <em>Areca catechu </em>L.<em>, Syzygium aromaticum </em>(L.) Merr. &amp; L.M. Perry., and <em>Lepisanthes amoena </em>(Hassk.) Leenh., have the potential to inhibit the growth of <em>S. sobrinus </em>bacteria with inhibition values of 89.75%, 80.17%, 71.37%, and 74.69% in concentrations of 100 ppm. The highest content of total tannins, total phenols and total flavonoids was in <em>Uncaria gambir </em>(W. Hunter) Roxb, with respective values of 205.94 g/g, 478.52 mg GAE/g, and 0.725 g CE/g. Anticariogenic activity showed that <em>U. gambir, Helminthostachys. zeylanica, S. aromaticum, L. amoena, </em>and<em> Eurycoma longifolia </em>(Jack) had the potential to inhibit acid production in bacteria with a pH of 6.380, 6.563, 6.140, 5.987 and 5.933, respectively. Besides that, it can also inhibit the attachment of bacterial cells with values of 31%, 50%, 43%, 53%, and 40%. The results of this study indicate the potential of several selected medicinal plants from the Dayak Benuaq tribe in Temula village as natural antibacterial, anticancer, and anticariogenic agents.</span></p> Egra Saat Putri Agmi Sinta Zulfa Najmia Afifah Adiwena Muhammad Mitsunaga Tohru Yamauchi Kosei Kuspradini Harlinda Copyright (c) 2025 Egra Saat, Putri Agmi Sinta, Zulfa Najmia Afifah, Adiwena Muhammad , Mitsunaga Tohru, Yamauchi Kosei, Kuspradini Harlinda https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-07 2025-02-07 12 1 10.14719/pst.3657 Comparative analysis of weed management techniques in taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4750 <p>Weed management poses a significant challenge in taro cultivation since it’s a long-duration crop grown during the monsoon season. The warm, humid conditions of its extended growing period promote rapid weed germination and growth, complicating weed management efforts. To address this issue, a study was conducted at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Jashore, in 2021 and 2022 to evaluate sustainable weed management strategies for taro. The experiment, designed as a randomized complete block (RCB) with three replications, tested seven weed control methods: T<sub>1</sub>= straw mulching (SM), T<sub>2</sub>= pre-emergence herbicide+SM, T<sub>3</sub>= poly mulching (PM), T<sub>4</sub>= pre-emergence herbicide+PM, T<sub>5</sub>= intercropping+two hand-weeding, T<sub>6</sub>= pre-emergence herbicide, and T<sub>7</sub>= four hand-weeding, alongside T<sub>8</sub>= weed-free and T<sub>9</sub>= weedy control treatments. Results indicated that all mulching treatments achieved 70% to 80% weed control efficiency, significantly reducing weed growth up to 120 days after emergence (DAE). The intercropping+hand-weeding treatment provided 75% to 80% weed control up to 90 DAE. Among the mulches, straw mulching resulted in the tallest and widest plant base girths, leading to the highest yield and benefit-cost ratio, followed by other mulch and intercropping+hand-weeding treatments. Pre-emergence herbicide treatments were ineffective due to their short duration of action. Additionally, combining mulching (SM &amp; PM) with pre-emergence herbicide offered no advantage over mulching alone. These findings highlight straw mulch as the most effective weed management strategy for taro, eliminating the need for herbicides. Where mulch is unavailable, intercropping combined with hand weeding can be a viable alternative for effective weed control.</p> S Paul M H Rahman M Tamanna D Halder M S Kobir M H Munshi P Hajong M B Anwar Copyright (c) 2024 S Paul, MH Rahman, M Tamanna, D Halder, MS Kobir, MH Munshi, P Hajong, MB Anwar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-12 2025-01-12 12 1 10.14719/pst.4750 Optimizing morpho-physiological traits and yield potential in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L) Czern] through irrigation frequency, humic acid and sulphur application https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5306 <p>The depleting of water resources and poor nutrient availability during crop growth pose significant stress, adversely affecting the vegetative and reproductive growth of mustard crops. This stress extends its negative impact to the reproductive stage and on oil content. Consequently, morpho-physiological traits were targeted for evaluation under varying irrigation frequencies and the application of humic acid and sulphur, both individually and in combination, using a split-plot design.The results demonstrated that the treatment involving three irrigations (I3) and the combination of humic acid and sulphur (T3) were consistently the most effective and statistically significant at p = 0.05 for most parameters. The interaction effect of these treatments was observed specifically for absolute growth rate (AGR), crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), total number of branches per plant, seed yield (kg/ha), and total chlorophyll content (mg/g).Furthermore, I3 exhibited the highest percentage increase over the control for parameters such as plant height (9.3%), dry matter accumulation (35.5%), number of leaves (65.24%), leaf area (24.97%), leaf area index (36.01%), absolute growth rate (23.42%), crop growth rate (15.34%), net assimilation rate (37.08%), relative growth rate (56.93%), total number of branches (10.85%), seed yield (kg/ha), and total chlorophyll content (10.85%). Similarly, T3 recorded increases of 12.1%, 31.3%, 22.46%, 12.63%, 31.93%, 12.41%, 4.02%, 34.17%, 50.70%, and 12.75% for these same parameters, respectively.This study highlights the significant potential of combining three irrigations at critical growth stages with the application of humic acid and sulphur to mitigate the adverse effects of water stress on morpho-physiological traits in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L) Czern). Such interventions demonstrate promise in improving growth, yield, and physiological performance under induced water stress conditions.</p> T Manna A Siddique Copyright (c) 2025 T Manna, A Siddique https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.5306 Enhancement of thiodicarb efficacy using synergists and role of carboxylesterase in potentiation of synergistic activity in brinjal fruit and shoot borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee) https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6091 <p>The primary cause of low productivity in brinjal is the infestation by the fruit and shoot borer and field control failure is due to the evolution of insecticide resistance. In the current study, an investigation has been carried out in bimonthly intervals from Nov-2021 to Sept-2022 to assess the efficacy of some selected synergists with a carbamate, thiodicarb and the role of carboxylesterase enzyme in imparting insecticide resistance in Brinjal fruit and shoot borer from two locations of Odisha, Bhubaneswar and Bargarh. Out of all the synergists tested in the topical bioassay method, propargyl-oxy-phthalimide (PP) being a member of esterase hydrolase inhibitor group provided remarkable SR ratio (10.78) during May- 2022 in the Bhubaneswar population while that of Bargarh population indicated comparatively higher value (12.68) indicating efficacy of the synergist lowering the dose of thiodicarb to 1.464 µg/µl compared to 18.564 µg/µl when thiodicarb alone is used. This can be related to enhanced levels of detoxifying enzyme, Carboxylesterase in Bhubaneswar during May 2022 (4.52-fold) and Bargarh (5.36-fold) population compared to laboratory-reared susceptible population revealing the role of carboxylesterase enzyme in detoxification mechanism behind the efficacy of the synergists. This study highlights the importance of synergists like PP and Triphenyl phosphate (TPP) and suggests their inclusion in the existing pest management strategies of L. orbonalis in a wider agricultural area they reduce doses of insecticides and hence reduce impact on the environment which can lead to sustainable agriculture.</p> B Pasayat M K Tripathy Copyright (c) 2025 Bandana Pasayat, Manoj Kumar Tripathy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.6091 Evaluating the impact of an organic nitrification inhibitor on nitrogen availability and its influence on microbial population in paddy soil https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6652 <p>An incubation study was conducted to estimate the potential inhibition rates of nitrification using phytonim-coated fertilizers like urea and ammonium sulfate (AS) at different concentrations viz., 100 % and 65 % of the recommended dosage (RD) and additionally ammonifying bacteria (AB) was added with urea as one of the treatments. Samples were taken at 13 different intervals in a 45-day incubation experiment. Applying phytonim-coated fertilizers delayed the nitrification process for 35 days, improving the soils' available N. Ammonia oxidation and nitrite oxidation rates were reduced by 14 % and 35 % in phytonim-coated urea, 11 % and 23 % in phytonim-coated urea + AB and 24 % and 45 % in phytonim-coated AS, respectively over uncoated fertilizers. Nitrate reductase activity was reduced by 17 %, 16 % and 21 % in phytonim-coated fertilizers like urea, AS and urea + AB compared to uncoated fertilizers. Soil urease activity was inhibited in phytonim-coated urea (100 % RD and 65 % RD) of 9.6 % and 7.4 %, respectively, whereas 5.7 % and 6.7 % increased urease activity were observed in phytonim-coated urea + AB (100 % RD) and coated urea + AB (65 % RD). Increased soil dehydrogenase activity and FDA hydrolysis of 20 % and 15 % were observed in phytonim-coated urea, 15 % and 18 % in phytonim-coated urea + AB (100 % RD) and 17 % and 16 % in phytonim-coated AS over uncoated fertilizers. Results show that phytonim-coated AS (100 % RD) (T8) has inhibited nitrification most, followed by phytonim-coated urea (100 % RD) (T4) during the incubation period. This study concludes that applying organic nitrification inhibitors inhibited the nitrification and denitrification rates, affected the urea hydrolysis and positively affected the microbial population.</p> Lakshmanan Sriram Thambusamy Sivasankari Devi Muthunalliyappan Maheshwari Subramani Krishnaraj Rajkishore Raina Ashok Uthandi Sivakumar Copyright (c) 2025 Lakshmanan Sriram, Thambusamy Sivasankari Devi, Muthunalliyappan Maheshwari, Subramani Krishnaraj Rajkishore, Raina Ashok , Uthandi Sivakumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-23 2025-02-23 12 1 10.14719/pst.6652 Investigating the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potential of Ononis natrix L. with phytochemical analyses https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3729 <p><em>Ononis </em><em>natrix </em>L. (<em>O. natrix</em>) belongs to Fabaceae family and <em>?</em>grows on the coast of Mediterranean Sea. The current study aims to investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of the methanolic extract of <em>O. natrix</em> and identify the phytochemical constituents responsible for these effects. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to characterize the phytochemicals found in the extract. The human red blood cells (RBCs) membrane stabilization method, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and MTT viability assay were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer activities. The results showed that methyl stearate (39.48%) and hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (35.61%) were the most relatively abundant phytochemicals identified by GC-MS. The % hemolysis inhibition for RBC membrane achieved by <em>O. natrix </em>extract was 99.6 ± 1% versus that by indomethacin was 99.9 ± 0.6%. Additionally, the DPPH radical scavenging activity of <em>O. natrix </em>extract versus ascorbic acid was 97 ± 0.3% and 98 ± 0.2%, respectively. The <em>O. natrix</em> extract showed a lower anti-cancer activity against DLD-1 cells (IC<sub>50</sub> = 57.13±4.9 µg/mL), MCF-7 cells (IC<sub>50</sub> = 96.69±6.2 µg/mL) and A549 cells (IC<sub>50</sub> = 126.63±10.4 µg/mL), when compared with the anti-cancer drug; Cisplatin. Therefore, <em>O. natrix </em>extract showed significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer properties, which could be attributed to methyl stearate and hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester constituents.</p> Youssef Ahmed M M Mohamed Noha E A Abuawad Khaleel R ‎Alkhojah Mohammad A ‎Hussein Rasha M Copyright (c) 2025 Youssef Ahmed M M, Mohamed Noha E A, Abuawad Khaleel R, ?Alkhojah Mohammad A, ?Hussein Rasha M https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.3729 Phytochemical characterization of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) linked to chemical characteristics of the soil of backyard orchards https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4214 <p>The fruits of Phoenix dactylifera L. contain bioactive compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamins and minerals. However, its composition and content exhibit great variability depending on genetic and environmental factors, especially the physico-chemical properties of the soils where date palms develop. To elucidate the above, samples of dates from three backyard orchards and soil samples from each orchard were collected to determine the content of bioactive compounds and chemical characteristics of the substrate and to determine the correlations between these. For total contents of polyphenols and flavonoids, antioxidant activity and soluble solids, the following methods were used - Folin-Ciocalteu reagent based total polyphenol estimation; aluminium chloride based total flavonoid estimation; 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical inhibition and a hand-held refractometer for soluble solid content determination. Each orchard was considered as a separate treatment and a completely randomized design was used, with the Tuckey’s test (?=0.05) applied to compare means. Pearson's linear correlation analysis was applied to establish the link between bioactive compounds of dates and chemical characteristics of the soils. The hypotheses were that the bioactive compounds present in dates obtained in different backyard orchards could vary depending on the chemical characteristics of their soils. The results reflected significant differences only for the soluble solids content of the dates. Statistically significant correlations were observed between two soil characteristics; organic matter (OM) and electrical conductivity (EC); and the soluble solids content of dates. It was concluded that higher organic matter in the soils is associated with higher soluble solids content in the fruit, while higher electric conductivity in the soils is linked to lower soluble solids content in the dates.</p> A Moreno-Reséndez J Gutiérrez Martínez J L Reyes-Carrillo O Antuna-Grijalva A Reyes- Mungía S Y Márquez-Guerrero Copyright (c) 2025 A Moreno-Reséndez, J Gutiérrez Martínez, J L Reyes-Carrillo, O Antuna-Grijalva, A Reyes- Mungía, S Y Márquez-Guerrero https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-25 2025-01-25 12 1 10.14719/pst.4214 Impact of nitrogen and sulphur fertilizer rates on nitrogen uptake dynamics and nutrient use efficiency in wheat https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5786 <p>A field experiment was performed to assess the impact of nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) fertilizer rates, along with their interactions, on nutrient uptake, content and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in wheat at various growth stages. The study examined the effects of administering 40 kg N, 80 kg N, and 120 kg N alongside 0 kg S, 15 kg S, and 30 kg S on N and S uptake, as well as grain and shoot nutrient content during wheat ontogeny. Nitrogen uptake and concentration in wheat grain and shoots were significantly increased by 120 kg of N and 30 kg of S. At 120 kg N + 30 kg S, shoots (13.91, 34.80, 41.50 and 39.89 kg/ha) and grains (152.36 kg/ha) showed the highest uptake, with the lowest recorded in the control. Sulphur uptake followed a similar pattern, peaking at 120 kg N + 30 kg S (3.17, 6.91, and 8.36 kg/ha) in the shoots. This treatment had the highest S levels in shoots (0.67%, 0.44%, and 0.34%) and grain (0.288%) compared to the control group. The 120 kg N + 30 kg S treatment had the highest NUE and sulphur use efficiency (SUE) (91.31% and 84.10%, respectively), while the 40 kg N + 0 kg S and 40 kg N + 15 kg S treatments recorded the lowest values (53.14% and 11.03%). Nitrogen production efficiency peaked at 21.187 kg yield/kg N at 120 kg N and 0 kg S, but S production efficiency decreased with higher S levels. Balancing N and S improved nutrient absorption, content, and utilization efficiency in the wheat production system.</p> G P Sai A Singh S Sarkar Z A Sana Pallavi A Chakraborty I Fatima Copyright (c) 2025 G P Sai, A Singh, S Sarkar, Z A Sana, Pallavi, A Chakraborty, I Fatima https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-13 2025-02-13 12 1 10.14719/pst.5786 Identification and characterization of genes that regulate flowering in pigeon pea (Cajanaus cajan): An in-silico exploration https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3175 <p>Pigeon pea is a versatile pulse crop extensively cultivated across Latin America, Asia and Africa. It serves as a rich source of protein and fibre. The life cycle of this annual crop is significantly influenced by the timing of flowering, which affects both seed production and the overall growth period. Variation in flowering time is influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors, making it a crucial adaptive trait in flowering plants. In this study, we aim to understand how the genetics of pigeon pea plants regulate their flowering time.</p> <p>We employed 2 methods, HMM profile search and standalone BLAST search, to identify genes involved in flowering regulation in pigeon pea. Protein sequences of 6 known flowering regulators from <em>Arabidopsis </em>and related plants were retrieved from the NCBI database. The entire set of protein sequences from pigeon pea was used as the database for comparison. The top hits with more than 30 % identity and known conserved domains were considered true orthologs, resulting in the identification of 6 pigeon pea genes: CcFrigida, CcFrigida Like1, CcFrigida Like2, CcFrigida Es-sential1, CcTerminal Flowering1 and CcTerminal Flowering2. Through a thorough review, we identified floral repressive genes, such as FLC and its activators, as significant targets for promoting early flowering in plants.</p> <p>Although considerable progress has been made in understanding the role of MADS-box genes in flower development, we still lack sufficient information about flowering genes and their specific impact on flowering traits in pigeon pea. This investigation will provide details about the biological basis of adaptive traits in this important pulse crop by examining flowering genes in pigeon pea.</p> Animesh Pattnaik Madhusmita Barik Rukmini Mishra Jatindra Nath Mohanty Copyright (c) 2025 Animesh Pattnaik, Madhusmita Barik, Rukmini Mishra, Jatindra Nath Mohanty https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-05 2025-02-05 12 1 10.14719/pst.3175 Improved functionality of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyx extract blended Kombucha, a fermented beverage https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3791 <p><em>Kombucha</em> is a fermented drink with a range of medicinal benefits prepared from sweetened tea infusion (<em>Camellia sinensis</em>), which is cultured symbiotically with yeast and acetic acid bacteria. In the present investigation, <em>kombucha</em> was prepared from sugared black tea extract blended with aqueous calyx extract of roselle (<em>Hibiscus sabdariffa</em>) @15% and fermented with cultures <em>viz</em>., <em>Komagataeibacter </em><em>rhaeticus </em>(NAIMCCTB-3976) and <em>Brettanomyces bruxellensis</em> (CAP9) at 35°C. The floating water insoluble mat of <em>kombucha </em>was observed under a scanning electron microscope, which revealed the cellulosic nanofibrils secreted by <em>K. </em><em>rhaeticus.</em> The total phenolic and flavanoid content, DPPH, and ABTS activity of roselle calyx blended <em>kombucha</em> were significantly higher than black tea <em>kombucha</em>. Further, the compounds present in <em>kombucha, </em>when analyzed by fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, denoted the presence of carbonyl compounds, aromatic olefinic compounds, ketones, aldehydes, and esters. The different bioactive metabolites formed during fermentation were elucidated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and the major compounds excited within the retention time of 45 min with maximum peak area were 13-hexyloxacyclotridec-10-en-2-one (37.64%), palmitins such as 1,3 dipalmitin (6.42%), glycidyl palmitate (3.30%), organic acids such as undecanedioic acid, linoleic acid, acetic acid (3.88%), etc<em>.</em> The results proved that blending black tea extract with 15% roselle calyx extract as a substrate for <em>kombucha </em>fermentation was highly accepted with an organoleptic score of 95% and improved functional properties compared to black tea extract <em>kombucha </em>alone.</p> Gayathry G Uma Maheswari T Jothilakshmi K Amutha S Copyright (c) 2024 Gayathry G, Uma Maheswari T, Jothilakshmi K, Amutha S https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.3791 Standardisation and toxicity assessment of Dioscorea hispida (Dennst) tubers: Acute and subchronic dosage studies https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4277 <p>People worldwide have used Dioscorea hispida Dennst to treat various skin diseases. However, Dioscorea hispida tubers are known to be poisonous because they contain cyanide and dioscorine. This research aimed to standardise Dioscorea hispida dried powder and examine tuber extract toxicity effects (acute and subchronic). This research was carried out with sample standardisation according to the Indonesian Herbal Pharmacopoeia II. The Regulations of the Republic of Indonesia Food and Drug Supervisory Agency carried out acute and subchronic toxicity studies. Wistar rats were administered different doses of the extract, and observations were made for toxic symptoms, body weight changes, mortality, relative organ weights, and histopathological changes in liver and kidney tissues. Serum creatinine, ALT, and AST levels were also measured. Dioscorea hispida tubers from North Sumatra and Lampung met the quality standards, whereas those from West Java did not due to high mold/yeast counts. Acute toxicity studies indicated that doses of 300 mg/kg BW and 1000 mg/kg BW caused toxic symptoms and death, classifying the extract as toxic with an LD50 range of 50-500 mg/kg BW. No toxic symptoms were observed at 50 mg/kg BW. Subchronic studies revealed that elevated doses led to significant liver and kidney damage, evidenced by increased creatinine, ALT, AST levels, and histopathological changes. Dioscorea hispida tubers from North Sumatra and Lampung meet quality standards, but those from West Java do not. The tubers have medicinal potential but exhibit high toxicity at elevated doses, necessitating cautious use and further research to ensure safe application and reduce contaminants.</p> Masfria H Syahputra A Celina S F Lingmin M W B Sagala Copyright (c) 2025 Masfria, H Syahputra, A Celina, S F Lingmin, M W B Sagala https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.4277 Microcontroller-based solar tunnel dryer for sustainable drying in Northeast India https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4867 <p>The growing world population necessitated enhanced food availability and reduced waste. Drying has been a popular technique for extending food storage for a long time since it minimizes volume and lowers moisture and enzymatic activity, reducing food loss. This project sought to create a microcontroller-driven solar tunnel dryer designed for the prevalent rainfall and elevated humidity conditions in Northeast India. The designed solar tunnel dryer is equipped with two DHT22 sensors that assess ambient humidity inside and outside the dryer, deciding whether to let airflow with the environment or isolate it. It controls fan operation based on real-time monitoring. The dryer has 12 trays on a six-tray structure that holds 100 kg of sliced turmeric in every batch. An additional tray with a load cell was provided to record turmeric weight during drying. Without any load, the maximum internal temperature exceeded the outside by 27.1°C, while the minimum internal humidity was 30% lower than external values. The turmeric was dried from an initial moisture content of 71.62% to less than 10% (wet basis) over 101 hours and 40 minutes (5 days) with 28.63 effective bright sunshine hours. The developed solar tunnel dryer's average efficiency was 19.20%, demonstrating its ability to dry turmeric in Meghalaya, India.</p> H D Singh N Singh H J Singh T Bidyalakshmi K Ajaykumar D Chakraborty B K Sethy Copyright (c) 2025 H D Singh, N Singh, H J Singh, T Bidyalakshmi, K Ajaykumar, D Chakraborty, B K Sethy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-05 2025-02-05 12 1 10.14719/pst.4867 Identification and in-silico analysis of phytochemicals from Phyla nodiflora (L.): Potential bioactive compounds for therapeutic applications https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5908 <p>The increasing demand for safer and more sustainable alternatives to chemical-based medicines has driven significant interest in plant-derived bioactive compounds, which possess a wide range of therapeutic properties. Among these, Phyla nodiflora (L.), a medicinal plant traditionally used in various remedies, has garnered attention for its potential in treating numerous ailments. However, a comprehensive understanding of the bioactive compounds in P. nodiflora and their mechanisms of action remain limited. In this context, the present study aims to explore the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals derived from the hexane and methanolic leaf extract of P. nodiflora. Using GC-MS analysis, 50 distinct chemical compounds were identified, from which the 10 most predominant bioactive compounds were selected for further investigation based on their known pharmacological properties. These compounds were subjected to molecular docking studies against key protein targets, including Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B, Androgen Receptor, Cyclin A, and NKCC1. The findings revealed that n-hexadecanoic acid, stigmasterol, and beta-sitosterol exhibit significant potential as drug candidates, demonstrating promising therapeutic applications for conditions such as diabetes, alopecia, cancer, and anti-diuresis. These findings provide valuable insights into the medicinal value of P. nodiflora, paving the way for further research, including in vitro and in vivo studies, to validate the efficacy of these compounds. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of plant-based drug discovery in the development of novel treatments for non-communicable diseases, thereby contributing to the growing body of research in ethnopharmacology and natural product chemistry.</p> P Seenivasan U Palanikumar AU Thangavelu R Balasubramanian Copyright (c) 2024 P Seenivasan, U Palanikumar, AU Thangavelu, R Balasubramanian https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.5908 Morphological diversity and genetic potential of Aloe barbadensis Mill. accessions from diverse agro-climatic regions of Tamil Nadu, India https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6119 <p>Aloe barbadensis Mill. is a medicinal plant of great importance, widely cultivated for its therapeutic properties. However, limited research has been conducted on the morphological diversity of Aloe vera germplasm in India. This study assessed the morphological diversity of 40 A. vera accessions collected from different agro-climatic regions in Tamil Nadu, India. Eight quantitative morphological descriptors were evaluated. Significant variations were observed for all the studied traits, indicating substantial morphological diversity among the accessions. Principal component analysis revealed that the first three principal components (PC’s) accounted for 72.90% of the total variation. Cluster analysis grouped the accessions into three main clusters based on morphological similarity. Associations were found between several traits, with correlation analysis showing significant positive correlations between plant size, leaf dimensions and yield-related traits. High broad-sense heritability estimates were observed for several characteristics, suggesting the potential for genetic improvement through selection. The findings highlight the morphological diversity in Tamil Nadu A. vera germplasm, which can be exploited for the genetic improvement and development of effective conservation strategies for this valuable medicinal plant. The morphological diversity observed in this study can be attributed to the diverse agro-climatic conditions and geographical locations from which the accessions were collected.</p> C Abinaya J Suresh S T B Sundar E Kokiladevi D Uma N Bharathi Copyright (c) 2025 C Abinaya, J Suresh, S T Bini Sundar, E Kokiladevi, D Uma, N Bharathi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-30 2025-01-30 12 1 10.14719/pst.6119 Diversity of wild edible plants, nutrition and phytochemical evaluation of certain plants with ethnobotanical importance from Tinsukia district, Assam, India https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3261 <p>The present study was conducted in 2021-2023 and recorded a total of 96 species, out of which 56 <em>% </em>were used as vegetables, 30 <em>% </em><em>as </em>edible fruits and 7 <em>% </em><em>as masticatory, </em><em>s</em>pice and condiments. This study also aims to evaluate the nutritionally important minerals concentration and phytochemical constituents of 5 plant taxa, i.e., <em>Sarcochlamys pulcherrima</em> (<em>Roxb</em><em>.) </em><em>Gaud</em>., <em>Zanthoxylum oxyphyllum </em><em>Edgew</em>., <em>Smilax perfoliata </em><em>Lour</em>., <em>Portulaca oleracea </em>L. and<em> Phlogacanthas thyrsiformis</em> (Hardw.) Mabb. which are widely used in folk healing practices and folk medicine by the various ethnic communities of Tinsukia district. The concentration of 5 macro minerals Na, K, Ca, Mg and P is in the range of 12.5 -18.4, 90.4 -246.9, 140 -214.3, 84.9 - 112.2, 23.7 - 41.2 mg/100 g respectively. The ratio of K/Na (5.9:1 to13.4:1), Ca/P (4.1:1 to 9.1:1) and K/(Ca+Mg) (0.11:1 to 0.32:1) are found to be adequate ratios ranging from respectively. Microminerals like Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and Ni are found in the range between 5.90 -16.17, 0.41-0.91, 0.13 -0.32, 0.07 -0.27 and 0.07 - 0.17 mg/100 g respectively. Some of the important phytochemicals are also found to be present in the analyzed plants. The study shows that consumption of these species may be beneficial for maintaining good mineral nutrition among the common people at a minimum cost.</p> Saikia Pankaj Baro Daimalu Bawri Amal Doley Biswadeep Basumatary Sanjay Nayak Nipen Adhikari Arjun Copyright (c) 2025 Saikia Pankaj , Baro Daimalu, Bawri Amal , Doley Biswadeep , Basumatary Sanjay , Nayak Nipen , Adhikari Arjun https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-22 2025-02-22 12 1 10.14719/pst.3261 Intergenerational relationship and Multi-trait Genotype-Ideotype Distance Indexing (MGIDI) in inter-varietal cross derivatives of black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper. https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3991 <p>Black gram is a highly self-pollinated short-duration crop cultivated in various cropping systems viz., rainfed, intercrop and rice fallow. In the present study, hybridization was made between 2 black gram varieties viz., CO 6 and VBN 11, aimed to develop the recombinants and select superior progenies through Multi-trait Genotype-Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The parent-offspring regression analysis was carried out in the F3 and F4 progenies of CO 6 × VBN 11. The significant regression and intergenerational correlation coefficients were observed for all the traits studied. The narrow sense heritability was found to be high for the number of seeds per pod. The other traits viz., plant height, number of branches per plant, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per cluster, number of pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod, hundred seed weight and seed yield per plant showed moderate narrow sense heritability. The MGIDI was calculated for 62 F4 progenies of CO 6 × VBN 11 considering nine yield component traits. In F4 progenies, high broad sense heritability was observed for all the yield-contributing traits and high selection gain was recorded for seed yield per plant (49.77%), number of branches per plant (46.29%), number of pods per plant (37.74%) and number of pods per cluster (20.80%). Based on the MGIDI, six F4 progenies viz., P1, P6, P22, P49, P50 and P53 were selected. The selected progenies could be further evaluated and yield tested for commercial exploitation.</p> Surendhar Anbazhagan Jayamani Palaniyappan Copyright (c) 2025 Surendhar Anbazhagan, Jayamani Palaniyappan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-22 2025-02-22 12 1 10.14719/pst.3991 Study of the relationship between the severity of downy mildew infection in cucumber and its content of phenols and alkaloids under protected cultivation conditions https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4914 <p>The study was carried out to investigate the distribution pattern and intensity of downy mildew disease in three different parts of cucumber plants (upper, middle and lower). Additionally, the study aimed to examine the correlation between the disease severity and the concentration of phenolic and alkaloid compounds in the plants. Under controlled greenhouse conditions, the results demonstrated that the cucumber plants had the most significant disease severity at the middle level, followed by the lower level near the ground. Conversely, no signs of infection were detected at the higher level of the plant. Furthermore, the most severe downy mildew symptoms were noticed in the greenhouses central region, compared to the areas near the front and back entrances. These differences were shown to be statistically significant. Before the onset of downy mildew infection, cucumber plants indicated minimal phenols and alkaloids. From the first day of infection, the concentration of phenols increased and peaked on the twelfth day following infection. Subsequently, it declined on the 15th day. The level of alkaloids peaked on the sixth day of disease infection and then gradually decreased. The cucumber plants exhibited the highest concentrations of phenols and alkaloids around the ground level, followed by the middle and upper levels These variations were statistically significant. The highest correlation coefficient was reported between the disease severity and the cucumbers content of alkaloids and phenols at the middle and the lower level of the two hybrids: Jamila and Mustaqbal. In the Fares hybrid, the highest correlation coefficient between the percentage of disease severity and phenols was 0.905 at the middle level, but it was 0.434 with the alkaloid contents. At the lower level of the plants, the correlation coefficient between disease severity with the alkaloids and phenols was 0.724 and 0.725, respectively. </p> A A Khudhair N S Aljarah Copyright (c) 2025 Aqeel A Khudhair, Neran S Aljarah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-12 2025-01-12 12 1 10.14719/pst.4914 Brand competitiveness and consumer preference towards milk and milk-based products Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS) https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5971 <p>This study investigates brand competitiveness and consumer preferences for milk and milk-based products like curd, ghee, butter, sweets, paneer, etc. utilizing Factor Analysis and Multi-dimensional Scaling (MDS) to provide insights into key dimensions influencing brand perception. Factor Analysis identified five critical dimensions that together explain 70.67% of the total variance in brand competitiveness. These dimensions include Best Brand and Customer Satisfaction (18.25%), Quality, Brand Trust and Awareness (14.47%), Price-Value Perception, Availability and Packaging (14.14%), New Products and Health/Nutrition (12.56%) and Loyal Customers and Recommendations (11.23%). The findings emphasize that Brand Reputation, Customer Satisfaction, Quality and Brand Trust are crucial in shaping brand competitiveness, underscoring the importance of meeting consumer expectations. In parallel, MDS analysis mapped consumer perceptions of eight milk brands, highlighting those brands like Tirumala, Sreeja and Sri Venkateswara are positively viewed in terms of value and taste. Conversely, brands such as Vijaya, Arokya, Heritage and Dodla received lower ratings; this suggests a gap between their price and quality or taste of their offerings. These insights are valuable for brands aiming to enhance their market position and align more closely with consumer preferences.</p> G Gourav B Parasuraman Rohini Senthilkumar V Manikkaam M Kannan Copyright (c) 2025 Gajula Gourav, Balaji Parasuraman, Rohini , Senthilkumar, Vijayabhama Manikkaam, Mugilan Kannan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-25 2025-01-25 12 1 10.14719/pst.5971 Production of virus-free quality planting material in banana (Musa spp.) variety CO 3 (ABB) through meristem culture https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6136 <p class="Keywords" style="margin-left: 0cm; text-align: justify;">The rapid spread of pest and disease infestations significantly affects agricultural productivity and food security. Diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses and other pathogens can severely impact plant health, leading to substantial crop losses. Some crop species, like banana (Musa spp.), transmit viral diseases mostly through vegetative propagules but very rarely through seeds. To address this issue, meristem culture was employed in the present study on the banana variety CO 3 (ABB) to produce virus-free plantlets. Meristem tips, ranging from 20-30 mm in size, were established on fullstrength MS medium supplemented with vitamins, ascorbic acid, myoinositol,<br />2 mg/L BAP and 0.5 mg/L IAA during the initiation phase. MS medium with 3 mg/L BAP and 0.5 mg/L IAA was optimal for multiple shoot formation, producing an average of 8.5 shoots per explant in 52.5 days. Regarding growth parameters, approximately 3.7 leaves per explant were observed, with an average leaf length of 4.56 cm and an average leaf width of 1.89 cm after the fifth subculture and before the rooting stage. The meristem tips (20-30 mm) of the CO 3 (ABB) variety produced approximately 92.5% virus-free plantlets with a survival rate of 86.5%. The derived plantlets were successfully hardened.</p> K Thanuja R Arulmozhiyan M S Saraswathi R Selvarajan V Jegadeeswari V R Babu Copyright (c) 2025 K Thanuja, R Arulmozhiyan, M S Saraswathi, R Selvarajan, V Jegadeeswari, V R Babu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-22 2025-02-22 12 1 10.14719/pst.6136 Effects of plant growth regulators on peg and pod development in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under drought stress https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3292 <p>Peanut is a globally important legume crop consumed in various forms due to its high nutritional value. However, peanut production faces challenges, particularly under drought conditions, resulting in reduced flowering, peg and pod formation. This study aimed to investigate the changes in morphology, anatomy and activity of plant growth regulators during flowering, peg development and pod formation in peanuts, using the VD01-2 cultivar. The objective of the study was to explore the application of plant growth regulators to optimize flowering, peg development and increase pod yield in peanuts. The peanuts were cultivated at the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Agriculture Park under the following conditions: 150 ± 20 Klux light intensity, 45/26 ± 2 °C temperature and 35/80 ± 5 % humidity. The experimental soil composition was 63.4 % sand, 28.5 % silt and 8.1 % clay, with 24.91 g kg-1 organic matter, 0.165 % total nitrogen, 0.062 % phosphorus and 0.93 % potassium. Statistical analysis of the data revealed an increase in auxin and gibberellin activity during flowering, which contributed to peg elongation. However, as the peg entered the soil and formed the pod, the activity of these plant growth regulators decreased. Additionally, the combination of 50 mg L-1 IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) and 150 mg L-1 GA3 (gibberellic acid) effectively enhanced the development of flowers, pegs and pods in peanut plants under drought-stress conditions. Furthermore, this combined treatment resulted in an increase in the lipid content of the seeds from 545.2 mg to 570.0 mg/g of weight. These findings have the potential to improve peanut productivity under drought conditions, addressing the challenges faced in peanut production.</p> Thanh Thang Tran Thanh Huong Tran Trang Viet Bui Copyright (c) 2025 Thanh Thang Tran, Thanh Huong Tran, Trang Viet Bui https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-12 2025-01-12 12 1 10.14719/pst.3292 Cold stress-induced biochemical and molecular responses in Safflower (Carthamus tinctorious L.) https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4032 <p>Cold stress causes substantial losses in global agricultural productivity. When exposed to cold stress, plants usually exhibit a variety of cold-induced physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses. Safflower is one of the oldest, marginalized, neglected and domesticated multipurpose oilseed crops which is uniquely affected by cold stress at different growth stages. Because of lack of systematic research on cold signalling pathways and gene regulatory networks, the underlying biochemical and molecular mechanisms of cold signal transduction in different developmental stages of safflower are poorly understood. Therefore, this study sought to detect biochemical response and identify cold responsive safflower genes expressed at the rosette and bolling stages to provide novel insight about the growth stage’s differential responses to cold stress. The results demonstrated that pseudo-marker snap genes CtAH10T0001700.1 and CtAH10T0001500.1 are the E3 ligase genes with RING finger domain while CtAH10T0000500 matched the GRAS family genes. These genes successfully exhibited similar cold responses as per their respective family. Overexpression of some E3 genes like CIP8 and HOS 1 could be associated with the cold susceptibility of plants in the bolling stage of safflower. Additionally, CtAH10T0001700.1 expression was found to be positively correlated with electrolyte leakage and proline content at the rosette stage. Meanwhile CtAH10T0001500.1, a negative cold regulator significantly correlated with electrolyte leakage and proline content. While CtAH10T0000500, a positive cold regulator significantly correlated with electrolyte leakage and proline at the rosette stage, but negatively associated with the two parameters at bolling stage. Overall, the genes were found to play a significant role in cold responsiveness of safflower plants at different growth stages.</p> D Kereilwe G Malambane V E Emongor U Batlang Copyright (c) 2025 D Kereilwe, G Malambane, V E Emongor, U Batlang https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.4032 Starfruit (Averrhoa carambola L.) jam enriched with different types of sugar: A comparative study https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4417 <p>This study used an experimental research design. The study was conducted to develop food products using starfruit as the main ingredient and to determine the nutritional composition of starfruit jam. Fifty respondents evaluated the starfruit jam through organoleptic criteria such as appearance, aroma, flavor, consistency, taste, aftertaste, and overall acceptability; a 9-point hedonic scale was used to determine the level of acceptability. This study included three treatments using varying types of sugar, such as white (treatment 1), brown (treatment 2), and muscovado (treatment 3), with the same measurements of ingredients generally acceptable as a result. Treatment 2 has the highest overall acceptability, followed by Treatment 3, and the least is Treatment 1, which are all described as very much by the respondents. Additionally, treatment 2 is the most preferred product regarding taste and aftertaste, while the different age groups have diverse acceptability levels when the food product was evaluated. Starfruit jam was analyzed, and its various nutritional content was determined to ensure that it is healthy and nutritious when consumed. Furthermore, the economic value of starfruit jam provides high investment returns due to the province's availability and affordability of supply. Finally, a potential source of income and product commercialization was forecasted for this newly developed foodstuff.</p> K B M Apolonio Copyright (c) 2025 K B M Apolonio https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-13 2025-02-13 12 1 10.14719/pst.4417 Influence of planting patterns and integrated weed management practices on weed biomass, growth and yield of Spring maize https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5014 <p>Weed infestation is a serious problem in corn production that impacts global production and with increasing food demand worldwide, certain manipulation is required in agronomic practices to improve corn production. This experiment was conducted on the Research farm of the Department of Agronomy, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara to evaluate the impact of planting patterns and integrated weed control treatments on maize crops during the Spring season of 2023 and 2024. The experiment was laid out in Split Plot Design with 3 planting methods in main plots viz., M1 - Flat sowing with single row, M2 - Flat sowing with paired row and M3 - Ridge sowing and 5 weed control treatments in subplots viz., T1 - atrazine + pendimethalin (0.75 + 0.75 kg/ha), pre-emergence followed by straw mulching, T2 - pendimethalin (0.60 kg ha-1), pre-emergence + intercropping cowpea f. b. earthing up (EU) and straw mulching (SM), T3 - intercropping dhaincha f. b. earthing up and straw mulching, T4 - 2 hand weedings (4 and 6 WAS) and T5 - unweeded (control) with 4 replications. The results indicated that sowing of maize crops on ridges produced significantly better crop growth and yield with significantly lesser weed biomass than paired row sowing. Among the weed control treatments, the intercropping treatments, followed by earthing up and straw mulching, were effective in weed control and produced significantly higher growth and yield than other weed control treatments. It can be concluded that planting maize on ridges with intercropping followed by earthing up and straw mulching produced the best results, which can be adopted by the farmers to sustainably improve the yield and earn better profits as the methods involved are environment friendly and do not require any additional investment.</p> Ramandeep Singh U S Walia Manisha Chaudhary Copyright (c) 2024 Ramandeep Singh, U S Walia, Manisha Chaudhary https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.5014 Assessing the pollutant removal potential of native reeds in sewage and paper mill effluents https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6019 <p>Reed plants are cost effective method of remediating the wastewater. To test the removal efficiency of pollutants from sewage and paper mill effluents, four different reed plant species, Canna indica (Indian Shot), Colocassia esculenta (Taro), Typha domingensis (Southern Cattail) and Xanthosoma sagittifolium (Tannia), were compared for their removal efficiency of pollutants from sewage and paper mill effluents. Because of the high cost and limited effects of present physico-chemical treatments in wastewater treatment plant, this reed bed system can act as a cheaper process, that are essential to remove the organic pollutants, thus make them suitable for agricultural and irrigation purposes. In this study, initially, the raw effluent of sewage and paper mill was characterized. The four reed plants were separately screened with both the effluents by adopting the treatments for the four reeds and seven days retention time as two factors with 2 replications in pots. Each day, the treated effluent was collected from the pot and analysed. Up to day 7, the screening was done with both the effluents. The result shows that the Canna indica and Colocassia esculenta could be the better option for pollutant removal from the sewage and paper mill effluent respectively. The removal efficiency was higher in Canna indica (60%) for sewage wastewater and Colocassia esculenta (65%) for paper mill effluent. This removal percentage shows that the tolerating nature of the plants to the wastewater. The efficiency of the removal of pollutant by reeds can be further improved by bioaugmentation process which aids the action of microbes in the rhizosphere of the reed plants which may be used in the reed bed system. </p> K B Monica M Maheswari P Dhevagi E Kokiladevi T Chitdeshwari U Sivakumar Copyright (c) 2025 Kanagaraj Blessy Monica, Muthunalliappan Maheswari, Periyasamy Dhevagi, Eswaran Kokiladevi, Thiyagarajan Chitdeshwari, Uthandi Sivakumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-25 2025-01-25 12 1 10.14719/pst.6019 South Western Ghats of India: A niche of clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry) diversity https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3405 <p>The survey conducted across major clove (<em>Syzygium aromaticum</em> (L.) Merr. &amp; Perry) growing regions of the South Western Ghats of India, especially in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, identified thirty accessions with distinct characteristics and superior yield. Clove accessions were characterized based on twenty-one qualitative and twelve quantitative traits. Significant variations were observed among fifteen qualitative characters with predominant traits including elliptical canopy shape, semi-erect branching pattern, leaf lamina and its apex, mid-bud forming season, clustering pattern of flower, bud size, fruit, and seed shape. The dendrogram constructed using the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) grouped thirty accessions into five major clusters at a genetic similarity of 73%, with Accession 19 identified as unique. Principal component analysis of twelve quantitative characters revealed three component groups, explaining 70.85% of the total variance. The score plot generated from the principal component loading grouped the accessions into eighteen clusters. A minimal dataset comprising four characters, namely plant height, canopy spread in East-West direction, number of inflorescences per square meter, and mature bud length, was generated. Observations on both qualitative traits and the minimum data set facilitated the identification of ideotypes. The geographical location was not found to influence genetic diversity significantly.</p> G S Sreekala M Avinash J B Reddappa P Reshma J Nainu T Anargha Copyright (c) 2024 G S Sreekala, M Avinash, J B Reddappa , P Reshma , J Nainu , T Anargha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.3405 Biofungicides derived from indigenous microorganisms fermented on Tagetes erecta L. flowers for the control of anthracnose in chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4130 <p>Local microorganisms (LMo) are native microbial consortia that colonize specific substrates and ferment them when supplemented with nutrients. LMo-based products are emerging as eco-friendly alternatives for plant disease management. In this study, Tagetes erecta L. flowers were used as a substrate to cultivate LMo, which were then cross-applied to chili peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) to control anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum capsici. The research aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity, minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) and overall effectiveness of LMo derived from T. erecta flowers against C. capsici. The study was conducted in 3 stages: first, assessing the antifungal activity of LMo using the agar dilution method, second, determining the MFC of the LMo solution and third, evaluating the in planta efficacy of LMo in controlling anthracnose. Results demonstrated that LMo formulated from T. erecta exhibited strong antifungal activity, with a 15.99 mm inhibition zone and an MFC of 40%. In the field trial, a 50% LMo concentration significantly suppressed anthracnose, improving chili pepper condition and appearance compared to both negative and positive controls. These findings suggest that LMo based on T. erecta flowers offers a cost-effective, abundant and eco-friendly solution for anthracnose management, particularly for chili farmers in Southern Sulawesi.</p> Sri Ambardini Nur Arfa Yanti Jendri Mamangkey Elvina Yustika Arsyat Ardiansyah Copyright (c) 2025 Sri Ambardini, Nur Arfa Yanti, Jendri Mamangkey, Elvina Yustika Arsyat, Ardiansyah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.4130 Isolation and characterization of arbuscular mycorrhiza from a newly developed L J farm at village Dumana, Viramgam, Gujarat https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4652 <p>Mycorrhiza in general and arbuscular mycorrhiza in particular are the most important terrestrial fungi that evolved with the evolution of land and plants and became a part and parcel of the plant's growth and development. It is so important for plant nutrition that its density and diversity were studied worldwide in different habitats, niches and climates. In the present study, a spore density of 1.6 to 4.04 per g of soil was observed in a semi-arid region; agroclimatic zone V of Gujarat at Dumana L J Farm, Viramgam. Nine different species of endomycorrhizae were characterized; however, species of Glomus and Acaulospora were dominant taxa. Because there is little taxonomic diversity in such a large group of mycorrhizal fungi, it is crucial to analyze local populations that have adapted to different environments. Depending on the climate, each species may have a significant amount of genetic variation. The result shows the spore density in a developing plantation field, which was earlier mainly used for the cultivation of a local variety of cotton. Since there is no such report on the density and diversity of endomycorrhiza from this region, this primary study will serve as a baseline for the comparison of the spore density of future studies of the region/field in different plants and seasons.</p> M I Sherashiya N S Sahay Copyright (c) 2025 M I Sherashiya, N S Sahay https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.4652 Anticarcinogenic properties of the desert truffle (Terfezia boudieri) and its host plant (Helianthemum aegyptiacum (L.) Mill.) https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5134 <p>This study aimed to investigate the phytochemicals and cytotoxic properties of aqueous extracts of desert truffle, Terfezia boudieri Chatin and its host plant Helianthemum aegyptiacum (L.) Mill. The chemical composition of truffle is relatively higher than its host plants. Carbohydrate content showed the highest rate, but crude lipid showed the lowest rate in truffle and the host plant. Potassium is the highest concentration macro-element, and iron is the highest concentration of micro-element in the truffle and host plant. Compared to the several extracts tested, ethyl acetate extracts of the desert truffle, T. boudieri and host plant H. aegyptiacum (L.) Mill. gave the highest cytotoxic activity against five tested cancer cell lines (the human eye carcinoma cell line MP38, the human central nervous system cell line SF-268, the colorectal carcinoma cell line HCT116, the prostate cancer cell line DU-145 and the breast cancer cell line MDA). The active substances of truffles are more effective than the active substances of host plants in terms of cell mortality rate and nuclear condensation of cancer cells. Human eye cancer cells MP38 treated with truffle ethyl acetate extract showed a greater cell mortality rate than those treated with host plant ethyl acetate extract. Thus, it could be concluded that desert truffles have distinctive metabolites with powerful biological activities, such as antiproliferative activities, compared to the host plant's corresponding metabolites.</p> A A Zaghloul H M H Salama A M A El_gawad M Almostafa K Abdelaal M A Yassin Copyright (c) 2025 A A Zaghloul, H M H Salama, A M A El_gawad, M Almostafa, K Abdelaal, M A Yassin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-22 2025-02-22 12 1 10.14719/pst.5134 Fruit consumption: Exploring consumer demand for exotic fruits in India - Trends and preferences https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6054 <p>Exotic fruits, characterized by their unique flavors, vibrant colors and diverse nutritional profiles, have gained significant popularity in the Indian retail market, reflecting changing consumer preferences and a growing awareness of health benefits. This study explores the fruit consumption, import statistics of fruits and consumer preferences for exotic fruits in Coimbatore city, focusing on demographic characteristics, market availability and the intrinsic and extrinsic attributes influencing purchasing decisions. A survey was conducted to assess the demographic profile of exotic fruit consumers, revealing a predominantly educated and diverse group, with a significant proportion aged 31-45 years. Market analysis identified a wide range of imported fruits, highlighting their price points and seasonal availability. A conjoint analysis was performed to understand the importance of various attributes, including fruit appearance, taste, price and packaging size. Results of the study indicate that vibrant colors and competitive pricing are critical factors in consumer choices, with taste preferences favoring mild sweet and tangy flavors. The study also presents utility values for different product combinations, emphasizing the importance of aligning marketing strategies with consumer preferences. Ultimately, this research contributes to the understanding of consumer behavior regarding exotic fruits and offers practical recommendations for stakeholders in the fruit supply chain.</p> Kannan Vinodh Kandaswamy Mahendran Sengodan Moghana Lavanya Copyright (c) 2025 Kannan Vinodh, Kandaswamy Mahendran, Sengodan Moghana Lavanya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.6054 Impact of management technologies on banana growth and fusarium wilt mitigation https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6371 <p>The study was conducted during 2023-2024 under the Department of Fruit Science, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The objective of the study was to find out the best technology for the Fusarium wilt management in the banana cultivar Rasthali under pot culture experiment. The experiment was conducted with nine treatments replicated thrice with three plants in each replication in a completely randomized design (CRD). The treatment T7- Bacillus subtilis (10 g/plant) +Salicylic acid 5mM spray showed more root length (71.89 cm) and number of roots (30) than other treatments. The treatment T7- Bacillus subtilis (10 g/plant) + Salicylic acid 5mM spray showed a 33 % improvement in root length over absolute control (T1) and a 53 % increase over inoculated control (T2). Whereas the number of roots was 50% more in T7 than in T1 and 76 % more than in T2. The length of the pseudostem and girth of the pseudostem were 69.40 cm and 25.43 cm. The leaf area was 2.99 m2 and the number of leaves was 12. The physiological parameters such as chlorophyll content (57.03), stomatal resistance (0.521 Scm-1) and transpiration rate (9.572 ?g H2O cm2 S-1) of T7 were significant. In soil enzymes, the chitinase activity was 37.50 ?mol/min/g and ? 1, 3 Glucanase 40.33 ?mol/min/g. It showed less disease incidence (DI %) of 18.86 % and a disease severity index (DSI %) of 14.73 %. The absolute control (T1), without the pathogen, had no disease. The inoculated control (T2) showed the highest disease incidence and disease severity index of 100 %. T7- Bacillus subtilis (10 g/plant) + Salicylic acid 5 mM spray showed less disease incidence (DI %) of 18.86 %<br />and a disease severity index (DSI%) of 22.93 % over the absolute control (T1). And 81.14 % and 77.07 % reduced disease incidence (DI %) and disease severity index (DSI %) compared to inoculated control (T2). It is concluded that T7- Bacillus subtilis (10 g/plant) + Salicylic acid 5 mM spray can be used to control Fusarium wilt in cultivar Rasthali.</p> S Doyal P S Kavitha I Muthuvel A Sudha K Vanitha Copyright (c) 2025 S Doyal, P S Kavitha, I Muthuvel, A Sudha , K Vanitha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-31 2025-01-31 12 1 10.14719/pst.6371 Morpho-anatomy of cape gooseberry flowers (Physalis peruviana L.) at various stages of development https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3597 <p>As an indigenous remedy for a variety of ailments, cape gooseberry (<em>Physalis peruviana</em> L.), a member of the Solanaceae family, has historically contributed significantly to health promotion. The metabolites contained in <em>Physalis</em> fruit have been used traditionally by some Chinese communities to treat and prevent various diseases, such as cancer and hepatitis. Research related to the analysis of secondary metabolites in cape gooseberry fruit has been widely conducted, but studies on the morphology and anatomy of flower development, especially in <em>P. peruviana</em> have not been carried out. This study aimed to examine the morphological and anatomical structure of <em>P. peruviana</em> flowers at various stages of development. The procedures included: collection of flower morphology data, preparation of anatomical slides of flowers using the paraffin embedding method and qualitative analysis. The observation results demonstrate that <em>P. peruviana</em> has a complete and perfect flower, which grows as a single axillary type with 5 sepals, attached to each other and is conventionally green with a purple tinge. The corolla is sticky and yellow, with a purple tinge on the neck. The stamen comprises 5 pale yellow anthers and a purple filament. From the bud initiation to anthesis, the development takes 13 days. The anther has 2 lobes or 2 thecae (dithecous) with four microsporangia (tetrasporangiate). The anther wall consists of 4 layers in stages I-V and 2 layers in stages VI and VII. Isobilateral microspores are of the tetrad type. The ovary comprises 2 carpels, while the ovule is anatropus type and has bitegmic structure. This study detailed the reproductive characteristics of <em>P. peruviana</em> and provided a reference framework for subsequent studies by aligning the floral reproductive development perspective to a phenological scope.</p> Utaminingsih Laurentius Hartanto Nugroho Tri Rini Nuringtyas Maryani Copyright (c) 2025 Utaminingsih , Laurentius Hartanto Nugroho, Tri Rini Nuringtyas, Maryani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-30 2025-01-30 12 1 10.14719/pst.3597 Assessment of combining ability and heterosis in bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria L.) for yield and attributes character through line × tester design https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4175 <p>General and specific combining ability variance and their effects were studied for thirteen characters in line × tester mating design in bottle gourd. Based on overall per se performance and among the parents, Narendra Dharidar, Punjab Long, and parents Narendra Rashmi were identified as good specific combiners for a maximum of 5 to 6 attributes, including yield for other contributing traits, suggesting that these parents may be used in the hybridization program aimed at the development of superior genotypes/varieties in bottle guard. Tester Arka Bahar and Narendra Madhuri were considered to be good general combiners for 6 to 8 characters. These parents must be utilized in a suitable breeding programme visa-vis selection breeding for improvement productivity of yield and per unit area in bottle gourd. Based on overall results and per se performance, the F1 hybrids, i.e. Pusa Sandesh × Kashi Ganga, IC-321747 × Narendra Madhuri, and NDBG-132 × Narendra Madhuri emerged to be the good specific combiners for maximum traits, including yield, which may be utilized for obtaining transgressive segregants in the next generation. Out of sixty-four cross combinations, only seventeen hybrids revealed superiority over better parents for yield. The seventeen cross combinations that showed more than 24% heterobeltiosis over better parents include: IC-498541×Narendra Madhuri, IC-592210×Arka bahar, Pusa Sandesh×Narendra Madhuri, NDBG-132×Pusa Naveen, Narendra Rashmi×Kashi Ganga, IC-321412×Pusa Naveen, Narendra Rashmi×Arka bahar, Narendra Rashmi×Pusa Naveen, Narendra Dharidar×Narendra Madhuri, Pusa Sandesh×Kashi Ganga, NDBG-132×Arka bahar, NDBG-132×Narendra Madhuri, Punjab long×Narendra Madhuri, Narendra Jyothi×Narendra Madhuri, IC-592210×Arka bahar, IC-338119×Arka bahar and IC- 498541×Kashi Ganga. This suggests that there is a great possibility to produce higher yielding varieties/genotypes.</p> R Singh B Singh S Prakash M Kumar A Kumar M Kumar M Singh S K Singh S Sachan Copyright (c) 2024 R Singh, B Singh, S Prakash, M Kumar, A Kumar, M Kumar, M Singh, S K Singh , S Sachan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.4175 Evaluation of genotypic variations in the protein content of soybean through near infrared spectroscopy https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4740 <p>Demand for soybean seeds with increased protein content is high in the international market. In this context, breeding soybean varieties targeting high protein content is the need of the day. In this paper, elite soybean germplasm accessions were screened for protein content. Eighty-eight soybean germplasm was evaluated for protein content through near infrared spectroscopy. A prediction model to determine the protein content of soybean germplasm through a non-destructive method was developed to calibrate the NIR. The protein content of 39 lines was analyzed in wet lab conditions and used to calibrate in NIRs between 1400 and 2400 nm at 2 nm intervals. High determination coefficient and low values of root mean square error (2.585) and standard error of prediction (2.832) confirmed the model’s utility for predicting the protein content of unknown samples. Accordingly, the protein content of 49 germplasm lines revealed that the genotypes LU96, TNAU20056, and SL525 depicted high values of 56.66, 55.51, and 54.48% protein content, respectively, but with fewer yields. The genotype RKS45 recorded a protein content of 45.33% with a single plant yield of 34.09 g, which can be further utilized for hybridization and selection. Thus, a non-significant correlation was observed between the protein content and single plant yield, suggesting that an increase in protein content will not directly influence the yield parameters. This paper provides a simple methodology to accurately determine the protein in a large set of samples in a short time, which helps in speed breeding programs.</p> K Anandhi P Meenakshi R C Sivabharathi L Karthiba V Vasanth Copyright (c) 2025 K Anandhi, P Meenakshi, R C Sivabharathi, L Karthiba, V Vasanth https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-25 2025-01-25 12 1 10.14719/pst.4740 Phytochemical profiling and biological evaluation of Annona muricata L. root extract: A comprehensive assessment https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5279 <p>Annona muricata Linn., a component of the Annonaceae family, is a fruit-bearing tree endowed with a rich tradition of utilization. Recognized by various colloquial names such as soursop, graviola, and guanabana, Annona muricata is an evergreen botanical species predominantly found in tropical and subtropical zones globally. The current study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial properties while simultaneously elucidating the quantitative composition of phytochemical constituents within the root extract responsible for the pharmacological activities of the investigated subject. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method was used to assess antioxidant activities, while the well diffusion method evaluated antibacterial activity against common pathogens. Researchers have reported various bioactive compounds alkaloids, phenols, etc., that exhibit antibacterial, antifungal, antitubercular, anticancer, antioxidant, and other prophylactic activities. The chloroform extract displayed notable inhibitory efficacy against E. coli MTCC 443, indicating increased susceptibility with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.3 mg/mL. The sample exhibited a comparatively elevated alkaloid content compared to its phenolic content. Bioactive phytoconstituents with diverse biological activities, justifying the rationale for their therapeutic use by local inhabitants.</p> M M G Gama K R B Rani Copyright (c) 2025 M M G Gama, K R B Rani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.5279 Role of farm size in adopting salinity-tolerant paddy varieties: A study in coastal districts of Tamil Nadu https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6081 <p>The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between the causes of salinity, farmers' preferences, and the adoption rates of salt-tolerant rice varieties with an emphasis on how farm size and socioeconomic variables impact these decisions. The study employs an ex-post facto research approach to investigate the cause-and-effect relationship between farm features and the adoption of various salinity-tolerant cultivars. A total of 210 farmers were selected using snowball sampling to evaluate their adoption patterns. The results indicate that marginal farmers predominantly adopt varieties like TPS-5, TRY-3, and KKL(R)-1 due to their adaptability to small-scale farming under salinity stress. Conversely, TRY-1 is more favoured by larger farms, while small-scale farmers prefer TRY-5 as a viable salinity-tolerant option. The analysis, conducted using a One-Way ANOVA test, reveals a significant relationship between farm size and variety adoption, with socio-economic factors playing a critical role in shaping these preferences. These findings may assist policymakers and agricultural extension agencies understand the importance of providing farmers with the information, tools, and social support they require to enhance the adoption of specific varieties.</p> S Manikandan R Premavathi VS Kannan P Janaki RG Selvi Copyright (c) 2024 S Manikandan, R Premavathi, VS Kannan, P Janaki, RG Selvi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.6081 Eco-friendly utilization of rice husk ash for amending acid soils https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6514 <p>Rice husk ash (RHA) contains appreciable amounts of exchangeable cations and plant nutrients which can be used as liming material for acid soil reclamation. Hence, the present study was carried out to assess the potential of rice husk ash for soil acidity reclamation and its effect on related soil properties. RHA was collected from a modern rice mill and its physical and chemical properties were assessed. The results confirmed the alkaline nature of RHA with a pH of 8.30 at 1:10 RHA-to-water suspension. An incubation experiment was conducted with five levels of RHA viz., 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 t ha-1; compared with the treatments without liming material and the lime application as per lime requirement. Soil sampling was performed at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days after incubation (DAI) and analysed. The results indicated that the application of RHA 50 t ha-1, 40 t ha-1,30 t ha-1 and lime (100% lime) were comparable in enhancing the soil pH, effective cation exchange capacity and percent base saturation and reduced the total acidity and exchangeable Al. With all levels of RHA and lime application, favourable effects on soil properties related to acidic soil reclamation were observed over time. Exchangeable Ca and Mg were the highest in the 100% lime requirement, followed by RHA at 50 t ha-1. Exchangeable K and Na were the highest in rice husk ash at 50 t ha-1. The results emanated from this study ensured the potential of rice husk ash as a source of lime for acidic soils reclamation.</p> P Malathi K Preetha D Selvi E Parameswari S P Thamaraiselvi K M Sellamuthu Copyright (c) 2025 P Malathi, K Preetha, D Selvi, E Parameswari, S P Thamaraiselvi, K M Sellamuthu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-25 2025-01-25 12 1 10.14719/pst.6514 Enhancing black gram “[Vigna mungo (l.) Hepper]” nutrient uptake and yield through integrated use of organic manure and inorganic fertilizer application https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/2880 <p>Black gram is an important legume crop cultivated throughout the world for its protein content and economic importance. The integrated nutrient management practice is the key strategy to increase the production and productivity of black gram to meet the protein needs of the growing population. There is an immediate need for organic manure application along with inorganic fertilizer for increasing the nutrient uptake efficiency of crops. The goal of the field experiment was to maximise the delivery of nutrients by recycling residue from the cropping system's related components. Different organic manures and the appropriate dosages of NPK fertilisers were used in the studies from 2019 to 2021 and the field was laid out in split plot statistical design with 5 main plots <em>viz</em>., M<sub>1</sub>, M<sub>2</sub>, M<sub>3</sub><sub>, </sub>M<sub>4</sub>, M<sub>5</sub> and 3 Sub plots were fixed with different fertilizer levels <em>viz</em>., S<sub>1</sub>, S<sub>2 </sub>and S<sub>3</sub>. The significant influences on growth and yield attributes of black gram were observed. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content and uptake in grain and haulm yield significantly increased with the application of M<sub>2</sub>S<sub>1</sub> compared to other combinations tried in both years. This experiment highlights the effectiveness of integrated nutrient management (INM) using organic manure and inorganic fertilizers. This approach can improve crop yield while promoting sustainability by reducing reliance solely on chemical fertilizers.</p> A Rajeshkumar S Ramadass P Chandrasekaran M Saravana Kumar N Ashokkumar S Ashok S Thirumeninathan N Krishnaprabu Copyright (c) 2024 A Rajeshkumar, S Ramadass, P Chandrasekaran, M Saravana Kumar, N Ashokkumar, S Ashok, S Thirumeninathan, N Krishnaprabu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.2880 Introgression profiling of F4 population derived from the cross of Zea mays × Teosinte spp. Mexicana using SSR markers https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3704 <p>To increase the production of crops together with resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, germplasm enrichment is much more important in any breeding programme. Exploitation of Teosinte and Tripsacum, the wild relatives of maize, as the sources of novel genes to improve resiliency, adaptability and productivity in maize, has been documented. In the present study, teosinte was used in the crossing programme. The experiment material comprised 109 RILs derived from Teosinte spp. mexicana and popcorn. Using SSR markers, the introgression profiling of teosinte-derived maize F4 population (109 maize-teosinte derivatives). Morphological characterization for different parameters, i.e., days to maturity, number of cobs, number of tillers, seed rows per cob and cob length, showed significant variation among all the traits studied. The highest significant positive correlation was observed between the number of rows per cob and cob length. Introgression profiles of different lines were inferred from the consensus of genotypic and morphological data, which revealed that the marker bnlg1297 was common among the lines that exhibit a higher number of tillers and cobs. Therefore, these specific genomic regions might be associated with these traits. Thus, these results showed different parental contributions, which leads to diversification in the progenies derived from diverse crosses in maize. Further, such crosses appear crucial for producing germplasm for which breeders are looking.</p> R Kaur Ashmita N Devi V Tyagi Y Vikal P Sharma Copyright (c) 2025 Ramandeep Kaur, Ashmita, Nidhi Devi, Vikrant Tyagi, Yogesh Vikal, Priti Sharma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-30 2025-01-30 12 1 10.14719/pst.3704 Elucidation of genetic diversity in distinct brinjal genotypes: Multivariate analysis using D2 https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4202 <p>Genetic divergence study among 45 brinjal genotypes was performed using Mahalanobsis D2 statistics to find prospective genotypes for use in a breeding programme. The genotypes were assessed for 11 traits and divided into twelve clusters based on Tocher’s method. Cluster I had the most genotypes (18), followed by cluster III (5), cluster V (4), cluster IV, VI and IX (3 each), cluster II, VII and X (2 each) and cluster VIII, XI and XII (1 each). The intracluster distances ranged between 0 and 1064.87. Cluster X has the largest intra-cluster distance (1064.87), followed by Cluster IV (831.08). Cluster VIII, XI, and XII had the smallest intra-cluster distance (0). The inter-cluster distances varied from 804.88 to 4758.26. The largest inter-cluster distance was between IX and XI (4758.26), followed by III and XII (3923.90), and the shortest distance was between cluster II and III (804.88). Genotypes from the cluster with a large inter-cluster distance could be selected as parents to produce superior F1 hybrids and segregants. The three characters, fruit length (29.70%), number of primary branches (18.89%), and plant height (14.55%), altogether account for 63.14% of overall divergence. As a result, the combination of those traits could be exploited to develop superior varieties with higher yields.</p> R Kousalya S Praneetha I P Vethamoni V Ravichandran K Iyanar S Varanavasiappan Copyright (c) 2025 R Kousalya , S Praneetha, I P Vethamoni, V Ravichandran, K Iyanar, S Varanavasiappan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-17 2025-01-17 12 1 10.14719/pst.4202 Phenotypic, physiological and molecular changes of some wheat varieties under drought stress https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5593 <p>Water stress poses a significant challenge to wheat production, adversely affecting both field productivity and grain quality in the face of climate change and diminishing water resources. It reduces vegetative growth and disrupts physiological processes, which negatively impact yield components like grain size and protein content. Consequently, selecting drought-tolerant varieties is critical for enhancing resilience in arid regions. This study examined ten wheat varieties belonging to the genus Triticum aestivum L. (Abba 99, Adna 99, Baraka, Bohooth 10, Bohooth 22, Jihan 99, Bora, Dijla, Sham 6 and Wafia) under three water stress levels: 0 MPa (S0), -1.48 MPa (S1), and -2.95 MPa (S2) using polyethylene glycol (PEG6000). Phenotypic traits measured included plant height, leaf area, stem diameter, wet and dry weight, along with chlorophyll content. Real-time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to assess the expression of SOD and BADH-1 genes. Results indicated that Adana 99 exhibited significant drought resistance, recording the highest measurements in plant height (35 cm), leaf area (15.50 cm²), stem diameter (1.80 mm), wet weight (0.80 g), dry weight (0.55 g) and total chlorophyll content (45.85 and 48.14) at 15 and 30 days, respectively, under S2. The SOD gene expression peaked at 8.57 in S2, an eightfold increase from S0. Similarly, BADH-1 gene expression was recorded at 8 in S2, also an eightfold increase. In contrast, Baraka and Wafia showed the lowest expressions for the SOD (0.001) and BADH-1 (0.002) genes under S2, negatively affecting their phenotypic and physiological traits. These findings underscore the importance of selecting drought-resistant varieties for sustainable productivity under harsh environmental conditions.</p> A T Sleibi A K Abdullah Copyright (c) 2025 A T Sleibi, A K Abdullah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.5593 Synergistic effects of insecticides and lactic acid bacterial formulation on Plutella xylostella (L.) and beneficial coccinellids in cauliflower https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6099 <p>India, a leading producer of cauliflower, experiences up to 52 % yield loss due to defoliating caterpillars, particularly Plutella xylostella (L.). Epiphytic lactic acid bacteria (LAB), known for their role in plant microbiomes, are widely used in agriculture as biofertilizers, biocontrol agents and biostimulants. In this note, the present study focuses on the co-application of LAB formulation with insecticides emamectin benzoate 05 % SG, tolfenpyrad 15% EC, chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % SC on potted cauliflower plants in a screenhouse over two seasons to combat P. xylostella and assess the orientation behaviour of predators, particularly coccinellids. The results showed that leaf area damage by P. xylostella was significantly reduced in plants treated with chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % SC + LAB (5 %) (63.39-66.17 %), compared to chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % SC (60.82-63.08 %) and LAB (5 %) alone (25.45-29.05 %). Coccinellid abundance was higher in plants treated with LAB (5 %) alone (1.98-3.03 per four plants) than in those treated with insecticides and control plots. LAB density of both seasons showed a similar trend, with significantly higher values in plants treated with LAB alone (45.17 CFU/cm²) and chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % SC (41.39 CFU/cm²), compared to control plants (1.88 CFU/cm²).</p> M Jayaveni Y S J T Edward A Suganthi M Kannan R Anandham R Kannan T Rakesh Copyright (c) 2025 M Jayaveni, Y.S. Johnson Thangaraj Edward, A Suganthi, M Kannan, R Anandham, R Kannan, Thandra Rakesh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.6099 In vitro assessment of entomopathogenic potential of indigenous Clonostachys rosea CR 02 against the whitefly Bemisia tabaci in Potato https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/7278 <p>Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) are economically important polyphagous pest species causing severe yield losses in Potato. To develop a biopesticide in an environmentally safe manner, the virulence and pathogenecity of the indigenous Clonostachys rosea CR 02 (Ascomycota, Hypocreales: Bionectriaceae) was assessed against whitefly under laboratory condition. The mortality was assessed at varying conidial concentrations and exposure times. Both factors, along with their interaction had significantly influenced, where the higher concentrations and longer exposure times increasing the mortality rate. Maximum mortality of B. tabaci nymphs of 75.83% at 1.0 × 108 conidia/mL on day 10, with median LC50 values of 3.24 × 106 and LT50 values of 1.0 × 108 was 6.82 day. For adult B. tabaci, mortality increased exponentially, reaching 52.5% by day 10 at a concentration of 1.0 × 108 conidia/mL. However, C. rosea CR 02 showed lower virulence against adults compared to nymphs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of infected nymph B. tabaci revealed conidial adherence, hyphal growth, hyphal penetration, conidiophore formation and completely colonized the host’s surface (24-96 hours post-inoculation). For adult B. tabaci, mycelial colonization observed 7 days after treatment. This study highlights the entomopathogenic potential of indigenous C. rosea CR 02 against B. tabaci and suggests their use for the environmentally sustainable pest management.</p> J S Basha V K Parthiban M Karthikeyan I Johnson T Elaiyabharathi P H Mahtre R Anandham M Jayakanthan Copyright (c) 2025 J Shajith Basha, V K Parthiban, M Karthikeyan , I Johnson, T Elaiyabharathi , Priyank Hanuman Mahtre, R Anandham , M Jayakanthan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-23 2025-02-23 12 1 10.14719/pst.7278 Evaluation of enzymatic and agronomic characteristics and yield stability of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) genotypes under normal conditions and water deficit stress https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3123 <p>This study evaluated sugar beet (<em>Beta vulgaris</em> L.) genotypes for quantitative and qualitative characteristics under normal and water deficit conditions. The experimental design was a split plot based on randomized complete blocks with three replications. Irrigation treatments (normal, water deficit stress) were assigned to the main plots, and 18 sugar beet genotypes were assigned to the subplots. The results showed that irrigation deficit increased the content of proline, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POX) by 57.69%, 54.78%, 50.89%, and 55.56%, and decreased root and white sugar yield by 21.35% and 11.93%, compared with normal irrigation, respectively. Under normal irrigation, genotype F-20734 produced the highest yield of white sugar, followed by genotype F-20851. However, genotype F-20851 had the maximum white sugar yield under water deficit. The results of AMMI analysis based on root yield indicate that 62.12%, 12.70%, and 2.21% of the total data variance were accounted for by the additive effects of genotype and environment and the multiplicative effect of G×E, respectively. Based on the AMMI stability value (ASV), the F-20814 genotype was recognized as a stable variety with acceptable root yield in four environments. Based on the AMMI stability value (ASV) and GGE analysis, genotype F-20814 achieved acceptable root yield and yield stability compared to other genotypes. According to the MTSI index, genotypes F-20734 and F-20851 exhibited stability across all traits and environments studied. Considering all the indicators, the F-20851 genotype can be suitable for cultivation in areas where plants face different periods and intensities of water shortage stress.</p> Najari Zaher Nabizadeh Esmail Azizi Heydar Mohammadian Rahim Hamze Hamze Copyright (c) 2025 Najari Zaher, Nabizadeh Esmail, Azizi Heydar , Mohammadian Rahim , Hamze Hamze https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-06 2025-01-06 12 1 10.14719/pst.3123 Sensitivity and diversity analysis of Nilakottai ecotype tuberose under ethyl methane sulphonate exposure: Morphological variations and antioxidant activity https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4251 <p>The Nilakottai ecotype, a renowned indigenous variety of tuberose cultivated by farmers in the Dindigul district, is distinguished by its unique fragrance. To further enhance the floral characteristics of this tuberose ecotype, mutation breeding was undertaken at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The present study involved 11 treatments, each replicated 3 times, using a CRD (completely randomized design). The results revealed that the LD50 for the Nilakottai ecotype with ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) was 0.42 %. As the EMS concentration increased, there was a reduction in both sprouting and survival, with a 38.2 % and 56.24 % decrease respectively, at the highest concentration. Morphological parameters such as root length, shoot length, leaf length, leaf width and the number of leaves also showed a decrease of 78.80 %, 71.16 %, 87.29 %, 61.90 % and 62.99 % respectively, compared to the control at 1.0 % EMS. Pollen viability studies indicated a reduction in viability with increasing EMS concentration, showing 85.74 % viability in the control group and only 31.54 % at 1.0 % EMS. Analysis of antioxidant enzymes revealed a significant increase in catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels with higher EMS concentrations. Overall, EMS had a pronounced effect on various traits, including germination, growth and antioxidant activity.</p> Malepati S N V S Bhargavi Sripriya R Chitra M Ganga R Kalaiyarasi N Manikanda Boopathi D Uma S P Mirunalini Copyright (c) 2024 Malepati S N V S Bhargavi Sripriya , R Chitra , M Ganga, R Kalaiyarasi, N Manikanda Boopathi, D Uma, S P Mirunalini https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.4251 Evaluation of cashew apple RTS beverages blend with mango and papaya for its physicochemical properties and storage life https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4835 <p>For every tonne of cashew nuts, 10 to 15 tonnes of cashew apples are spoiled in orchards, representing a significant economic loss in India. Cashew apple juice is astringent because of the presence of anacardic acid and tannins when eaten as such. Ready-to-serve (RTS) beverages prepared from cashew apple juice blended with mango and papaya in varying proportions were evaluated for physicochemical properties, organoleptic scores and microbial counts at 0, 30, 60, and 90 days of storage during 2022-2023 using Completely Randomized Design with two replications and six treatments. RTS blend of 50% cashew apple and 50% mango juice (T2) exhibited a gradual reduction in pH and ascorbic acid content and an increase in density, total soluble solids (TSS), acidity, reducing sugar and TSS/acid ratio from 0 to 90 days of storage followed by T6, a blend of 25% cashew apple and 75% papaya juice RTS. The RTS blends T2 and T6 had low microbiological counts and excellent quality, colour, taste, and general acceptance based on organoleptic score. The highest net benefit for an RTS beverage was in T3 (Rs. 32/-) followed by T2 (Rs. 27.25/-) when compared to control (100% cashew apple juice @Rs. 21/-). They also had affordable preparation costs, which added value to the cashew apple juice.</p> S Kannan A K A H Noorjehan A Baskaran N Raja Copyright (c) 2024 S Kannan, AKAH Noorjehan, A Baskaran, N Raja https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.4835 Characterization and identification of elemental sulphur, iron pyrite, mineral gypsum, phospho gypsum and marine gypsum using SEM-EDAX https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5882 <p>India has 6.73 million ha of salt-affected soils, of which 3.77 million ha is sodic soil. Sodicity is a serious issue in agriculture, and it prevents to meet the properties of fertile soil. Sodicity alters its physical and chemical properties, including soil structure and hydraulic conductivity. High exchangeable sodium and pH decrease soil permeability, available water capacity and infiltration rates through swelling and dispersion of clays as well as slaking of soil aggregates. Gypsum is one of the sources used for sodic soil reclamation, and the cheaper and alternative source is marine gypsum which is recovered from salt pans during production of common salt in coastal region, particularly in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. The recovery of by-product gypsum and marine gypsum together is substantial and is comparable with the production of mineral gypsum.The amendments generally used for sodic soil reclamation should be a source of sulphates such as elemental sulphur, iron pyrite, mineral gypsum, phospho gypsum and marine gypsum. Characterization of sources by SEM–EDAX is rapid and elementary. The elemental composition revealed by the spectra of the bentonite sulphur for weight percentage and atomic percentage of sulphur is quantified as 34.04% and 18.59%, respectively, in the ZAF matrix. In iron pyrite spectra the weight percentage and atomic percentage of sulphur are 4.89% and 2.31%,respectively, in the ZAF matrix, while in mineral gypsum, the calcium weight percentage is 10.14% and atomic percentage is 04.04% while sulphur weight percentage is 6.52%, atomic percentage is 3.50%. The calcium composition in phosphogypsum is weight percentage is 14.69%; Atomic percentage is 34%, and the sulphur composition in phosphogypsum is weight percentage 10.40%, atomic percentage 5.60%, whereas in marine gypsum the calcium (weight percentage 09.10%, atomic percentage 03.58%) and sulphur (weight percentage 06.28%, atomic percentage 03.09%) proportions dominate as like two other above-mentioned gypsums, the element which makes difference in the marine gypsum from others is sodium (Weight percentage 00.18%, atomic percentage 00.12%). This helps to confirm that marine gypsum is an economic and alternate source available for sodic soil reclamation.</p> D Janaki P Gunavathi P Balasubramaniam A Alagesan Copyright (c) 2025 D Janaki, P Gunavathi, P Balasubramaniam, A Alagesan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.5882 Optimization of planting methods and seed coating for enhanced rice seed yield and quality in mechanized farming https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6117 <p>The demand for rice is predicted to rise by over 200 million tons by 2050 due to the rapidly growing population. India needs to step up its rice production because of the burgeoning population and decreasing land and other resources. Existing lower yield in rice caused by improper planting methods, particularly related to transplanting. This research was conducted to understand the effect of planting methods with coated and uncoated seeds to maximize seed yield and quality of rice. A field was raised in a randomized block design (RBD) on different treatments as coated and uncoated seeds with methods of sowings such as drone sowing, drum sowing, machine transplanting and manual transplanting with three replications. The observation on the number of hills m-2, number of tillers m-2, number of productive tillers m 2, number of grains panicle-1, 1000-grain weight, rice yield m-2 and quality indicators were gathered. The result indicates the maximum seed yield and productive tillers per hill recorded in drone seeding with coated seeds (59.71 q ha-1 and 31.75, respectively) whereas uncoated manual transplanting recorded 51.68 q ha-1 and 25.0 numbers, respectively in rice variety CO 55. Further, results on seed quality parameters revealed that machine transplanting yields higher production with the best seed quality compared to the seeds from drone sowing. It is concluded that drone sowing and machine transplanting are superior in seed yield and quality than conventional manual transplanting. Further research on enhancing the seed productivity through drone sowing on seeding density, population maintenance and productive tiller enhancement can be done. </p> V Vakeswaran B J Harish J Renugadevi N Sakthivel R Jerlin R Umarani Copyright (c) 2025 Vakeswaran V, Harish Balaji J, Renugadevi J, Sakthivel N, Jerlin R, Umarani R https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-25 2025-01-25 12 1 10.14719/pst.6117 Management of weeds in summer maize (Zea mays L.) by pre and post emergence herbicides https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3209 <p>Maize (<em>Zea mays</em> L.) is highly sensitive to weed infestation and management of weeds is the most difficult aspect of summer maize cultivation, leading to significant yield losses of maize fields. The lack of weed management in critical period of growth results in major losses. To address these issues, reducing actively growing weeds at various stages and improving the bio efficacy of herbicides is beneficial. In addition, due to the scarcity of farm labour and rising labour costs during crop growth, this study aims to investigate the impact of chemical weed management, specifically pre and post emergence herbicides, on maize. In this context, a study was conducted with 8 treatments viz., with 2 pre-emergence and 4 post emergence herbicides, as well as hand weeding and a weedy check (control), with each treatment replicated 3 times in randomized block design. The results revealed that weed density and weed dry matter were considerably lower and weed control efficiency was higher, with the application of Atrazine at 1 kg a.i. ha<sup>-1</sup> as Pre-emergence (PEA). The highest treatment remained on par with Tembotrione + Atrazine (1:10) at 750 g a.i. ha<sup>-1</sup> during 20 and 40 DAS as Post emergence (PoETA) compared to other treatments except for manual weeding (MW). The higher growth, yield attributes and grain yield were obtained with application of Atrazine at 1 kg a.i. ha<sup>-1</sup> as Pre-emergence (PEA) application and the highest treatment was comparable with Tembotrione + Atrazine (1:10) at 750 g a.i. ha<sup>-1</sup> during 20 and 40 DAS as Post emergence (PoETA) over other treatments. This paper relates to the SDG of UN 1, 2, 4 and 15.</p> Sibbala Yoshitha Lalichetti Sagar M. Devender Reddy Copyright (c) 2025 Sibbala Yoshitha, Lalichetti Sagar , M. Devender Reddy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-30 2025-01-30 12 1 10.14719/pst.3209 Evaluation of the content of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, antioxidant capacity and antibacterial activity of Pelargonium graveolens flower extracts https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3975 <p><em>Pelargonium graveolens</em> has garnered attention for its therapeutic properties, especially in treating dermatological conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemicals, antioxidant action and antibacterial effect of its flower extracts obtained through maceration, sonication and infusion. The findings show that the highest total phenolic content was obtained from the hydroethanolic sonication extract (280.39 mg GAE/g), followed by the hydroethanolic maceration extracts (272.87 mg GAE/g). The total flavonoid content varied from 21.51 mg EQ/g (hydroethanolic maceration) to 12.32 mg EQ/g (aqueous infusion). Condensed tannins were highest in the hydroethanolic maceration extracts (8.40 mg/mL). Additionally, the antioxidant action was assessed using the DPPH, FRAP, TAC and ABTS methods. The extracts from hydroethanolic sonication showed a high free radical scavenging capacity (IC<sub>50 </sub>= 0.31 mg/mL) compared with extracts from aqueous infusion and hydroethanolic maceration. However, antibacterial tests revealed that all extracts had better activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The hydroethanolic maceration extracts showed pronounced sensitivity, exhibiting zones of inhibition ranging from 13 to 24 mm for Gram-negative bacteria and 19 to 24 mm for Gram-positive bacteria. These extracts demonstrated significant efficacy against methicillin-resistant <em>Staphylococcus</em> <em>aureus</em> and <em>Panton-Valentine Leukocidin-Positive Staphylococcus aureus</em>. These findings suggest potential applications in the pharmaceutical and dermatological fields, particularly for developing natural antioxidant and antibacterial agents.</p> El-otmani Najlae Zeouk Ikrame Ben-saghroune Hayat Zahidi Ahmed Copyright (c) 2025 El-otmani Najlae, Zeouk Ikrame , Ben-saghroune Hayat , Zahidi Ahmed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.3975 Response of summer irrigated black gram (Vigna mungo L.) to planting method and weed management methods under western agro-climatic zones of Tamil Nadu https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4887 <p>To assess the effect of sowing methods and weed management on summer irrigated black gram yield, a field experiment was conducted during the summer season of 2024 in the Department of Pulses at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The treatments were employed in the Split plot design and replicated thrice. The sowing methods and weed management treatments were allotted in the main and subplots, respectively. The findings showed that, among the sowing methods, furrow-irrigated raised beds recorded a lower weed density and concerning weed management, the pre-emergence (PE) application of Pendimethalin 30 % + Imazethapyr 2 % EC (ready mix) and weeding with power-operated weeder at 20 DAS resulted in lesser weeds which leads to higher weed control efficiency (79.88 %) and higher seed yield in both furrow-irrigated raised beds and pre-emergence (PE) application of Pendimethalin 30 % + Imazethapyr 2 % EC (ready mix) and weeding with power-operated weeder at 20 DAS.</p> S Senthamizhselvan FS Anitta M Raju RPV Babu AP Mohankumar Copyright (c) 2024 S Senthamizhselvan, FS Anitta, M Raju, RPV Babu, AP Mohankumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.4887 Effect of bioactive compounds on enzymatic regulation and shelf life of mango during post-harvest https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5949 <p>The effects of melatonin, salicylic acid (SA) and brassinosteroids on the post-harvest quality and shelf life of two mango varieties, Alphonso and Sindhura, were investigated with respect to physiological, biochemical and enzymatic changes. The study assessed physiological loss in weight (PLW), Total Soluble Solids (TSS), titratable acidity, sugars, total phenolics, carotenoids, ripening related enzymes (pectin methylesterase, polygalacturonase, amylase and cellulase) and antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase). According to the results, the shelf life of mango was considerably increased by 200 µM melatonin, 2.0 mM salicylic acid and 25 ppm brassinosteroids, which also decreased PLW to 9.81%, 10.12% and 9.79% in Alphonso and 9.48%, 9.51% and 9.92% in Sindhura. These treatments maintained a balance between TSS, sugars and acidity, while preserving higher concentration of total phenolics and carotenoids. Treated fruits exhibited lower ripening enzyme activity, particularly polygalacturonase, which declined by 16.7%, 11.2% and 17.0% in Alphonso and 11.5%, 10.9% and 11.2% in Sindhura with 200 µM melatonin, 2.0 mM salicylic acid and 25 ppm brassinosteroids treatments respectively. Similarly, pectin methyl esterase (PME) was reduced by 12.2%, 11.6% and 10.5% in Alphonso and 12.1%, 10.3% and 12.1% in Sindhura corresponding to these treatments, delaying cell wall degradation and maintaining fruit firmness. Additionally, antioxidant enzymes were upregulated, mitigating oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and preserving fruit quality. These treatments were effective in delaying ripening, enhancing stress resistance and extending the marketability of mangoes during storage. This study highlights the potential of melatonin, salicylic acid and brassinosteroids as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic chemicals for improving post-harvest mango management.</p> Adarsh Balachandran V Sivakumar C Kavitha V Veeranan Arun Giridhari M Rajavel Copyright (c) 2024 Adarsh Balachandran, V Sivakumar, C Kavitha, V Veeranan Arun Giridhari, M Rajavel https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.5949 Market analysis on insecticide usage patterns for vegetable crops in Krishnagiri district in Tamil Nadu https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6126 <p>This study examines insecticide usage patterns among vegetable farmers in the Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu, reflecting the growing importance of insecticides in safeguarding crop health amidst increasing pest pressures. The global insecticide market is expanding rapidly, with India being the fourth-largest producer of agrochemicals and a significant exporter. Insecticides are essential for controlling pests such as thrips, whiteflies and various caterpillars, which can cause substantial yield losses. Using a stratified simple random sampling method, data were collected from 300 farmers across 25 villages in Hosur tehsil between May 2024 and June 2024. The research assessed socio-economic profiles, insecticide usage patterns and the sources of information for purchase decisions. Findings reveal that local agricultural dealers are the primary source of information, with a notable preference among farmers for brands such as BASF and IIL. Most farmers reported using insecticides primarily during the Kharif season, suggesting seasonal dependency. The study also highlights a tendency among farmers to favour specific brands over extended periods, reflecting brand loyalty and trust in local suppliers. Overall, the results provide valuable insights into the practices and challenges faced by vegetable farmers, which can help inform agricultural policies and marketing strategies for insecticide producers in the region. </p> V R Lakshmi K Uma S Selvanayaki M Nirmala devi R Gangai selvi Copyright (c) 2025 V R Lakshmi, K Uma, S Selvanayaki, M Nirmala devi, R Gangai selvi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-22 2025-02-22 12 1 10.14719/pst.6126 Reducing the incidence of Fall Army Worm (FAW) in irrigated maize (Zea mays L.) through intercropping systems https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3283 <p>Pest management strategies involving intercropping systems are being developed in different research stations. However, findings on location specific management are very limited. In order to address these problems and enhance maize productivity by identifying location specific strategies, field experiments were conducted at the Department of Millets, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during <em>kharif</em>, 2020 and <em>rabi</em>, 2020-21 to reduce the incidence of FAW in irrigated maize through different intercropping systems in sandy clay loam soil. The experiments consisted of 5 treatments <em>viz</em>., T1- Maize + Tephrosia, T2- Maize + Fenugreek, T3- Maize + Coriander, T4- Maize + Marigold and T5- Maize alone and these were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications. On the border of experimental field, a row of Bajra Napier Hybrid grass was planted to study the influence on FAW. The results of experiments revealed that the T4- Maize + Marigold treatment was superior in reducing the incidence of FAW in irrigated maize among the different intercropping systems owing to the occurrence of natural enemies and repelling nature of marigold which recorded higher maize equivalent yield of 6089 kg ha-1 with a B:C ratio of 1.84. This system of intercropping should be adopted by the farming community to reduce the incidence of FAW in maize as it is an eco friendly approach, which sustains the productivity of maize.</p> A P Sivamurugan A Suganthi S Pazhanivelan V Manivannan M Raju C Bharathi Copyright (c) 2024 A P Sivamurugan, A Suganthi, S Pazhanivelan, V Manivannan, M Raju, C Bharathi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.3283 Host infectivity of Pyricularia pathogen of finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) on Poaceae weeds https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4331 <p>Blast disease of finger millet is a serious disease all over the world and causes significant yield loss. Pyricularia populations consist of various pathotypes with different host ranges within the Poaceae family and express host specificities mediated by Avr and R genes. So, identification of the host range of Pyricularia on weeds within the poaceae family will give an idea for further research on understanding of genes responsible for host specificity reaction of Pyricularia among various host ranges. Pyricularia isolated from finger millet was tested on different weed host plants to study the infectivity of Pyricularia on weed species. The Pyricularia pathogen isolated from the infected leaf of finger millet plants having spindle-shaped lesions. The Poaceae weeds viz., Chloris barbeta, Cynodon dactylon, Cyperus rotundus, Dactylacterium aegyptium, and Echinochloa colonum are observed regularly in the field of finger millet. Among the weed species, spindle shaped lesion was observed in C. barbeta, C. dactylon, C. rotundus and D. aegyptium in leaf detachment assay with Pyricularia at Centre of Excellence in Millets, Athiyandal, Tiruvannamalai, India. Whereas E. colonum did not express any lesion. The incidence of Pyricularia in finger millet was studied under various weed infestation levels under field conditions during 2022-23 and 2023- 24 growing seasons. It was found that the experimental plot of finger millet with all Poaceae weeds recorded the highest incidence of leaf blast and the largest number of Pyricularia colonies in both years. This was followed by the plot with finger millet + D. aegyptium alone and finger millet + C. rotundus alone. The leaf blast symptoms were noticed in finger millet after one week of sowing in the case of the crop with all weed species during 2022-23 and 2023-24. A significant correlation was obtained between the incidence of the leaf blast and colonies of Pyricularia from 28 days after sowing till the maturity of the crop in both years. Hence, the incidence, as well as colonies of Pyricularia, were higher in plots with finger millet + all weeds, followed by plots with finger millet + D. aegyptium alone and plots with finger millet + Cyp. rotundus alone.</p> S P Thangavelu V J Narasimha V Mallian S Kumerasan J Iruthayasamy R Manickam Copyright (c) 2025 S P Thangavelu, V J Narasimha, V Mallian, S Kumerasan, J Iruthayasamy, R Manickam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-17 2025-01-17 12 1 10.14719/pst.4331 Multi-trait selection in yellow kernel maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes using multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6008 <p>The production of food crops is greatly influenced by maize, which is essential to global food security. Genetic variation and selection are key components in maize breeding that maximize genetic gain and productivity. The present study, 238 maize genotypes were investigated for fourteen quantitative traits to identify diverse and desirable genotypes for future breeding and varietal development programs. Significant genotypic effects were observed for grain yield and its attributes and other agronomic traits, indicating potential for genotype selection. Multivariate PCA analysis revealed that the first four PCs (70.1 % of total variation) effectively captured the considerable diversity within traits. Key traits such as flowering time, plant height, ear height, ear characteristics, and grain yield were essential in distinguishing between the genotypes analyzed. A recently introduced multi-trait-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) was used to predict the selection gain and identify the effectively performed genotypes by considering multiple traits. The MGIDI predicts significant desired genetic gains across all characteristics. Strengths and weaknesses of selected genotypes based on MGIDI provided insights into their overall suitability and factor contributions. The genotypes G32, G76, G163, G212, and G169 were identified as performing better using the MGIDI method, considering their strengths and weaknesses for the traits analyzed. MGIDI is a powerful tool that can help breeders effectively select the most desirable genotypes in maize.</p> P M Sondarava M B Patel T H Borkhatariya D J Parmar K M Akbari R L Ghetiya Copyright (c) 2025 P M Sondarava, M B Patel , T H Borkhatariya, D J Parmar, K M Akbari, R L Ghetiya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-13 2025-02-13 12 1 10.14719/pst.6008 Morphological, physiological and biochemical trait analysis of maize inbreds under drought conditions https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6203 <p>Maize (Zea mays L.) is a crucial cereal crop that is highly sensitive to drought, which disrupts its morphological, physiological and biochemical traits, impairing photoassimilate allocation. A 2-year field experiment was conducted to assess drought tolerance mechanisms in 6 maize inbred lines—CBM-DL 38, CBM-DL 111, CBM-DL 238, CBM-DL 448, CBM-DL 360 and UMI 1200—by evaluating morphological, physiological, biochemical changes as well as carbohydrate assimilation during sensitive growth stages. Drought stress was applied at different growth stages and observations were recorded 10 days after stress initiation. Drought stress significantly affected growth stages, canopy traits, carbon assimilation and yields. The chlorophyll index decreased by 17–23%, the vegetative index by 33–36% and chlorophyll fluorescence by 47–48%. Meanwhile, the leaf angle increased to 25–30° and the flagging point ratio was reduced to 0.8, resulting in 56–59% yield reduction. However, CBM-DL 38, CBM-DL 111, CBM-DL 448 and CBM-DL 360 demonstrated enhanced drought tolerance, with reduced malondialdehyde (1.5–1.8 times), increased proline (75–93%), improved antioxidant activities [catalase (52–76%), peroxidase (45–57%)] and higher leaf tissue water content (43–59%). Improved leaf architecture enhanced light captures and resource allocation, reducing oxidative damage and maintaining yields. In contrast, CBM-DL 238 and UMI 1200 showed greater reductions in cob weight and 100-grain weight (47–49%). Drought stress during 35–75 days after sowing (DAS) severely impaired photosynthesis, leading to reduced yields. Enhanced canopy traits and biochemical resilience made CBM-DL 38, CBM-DL 111, CBM-DL 448 and CBM-DL 360 more drought-tolerant.</p> L Priyanandhini M K Kalarani A Senthil N Senthil S Pazhanivelan R Karthikeyan M Umapathi G Vanitha Copyright (c) 2025 L Priyanandhini, M K Kalarani, A Senthil, N Senthil, S Pazhanivelan, R Karthikeyan, M Umapathi, G Vanitha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-13 2025-02-13 12 1 10.14719/pst.6203 Unveiling the genetic potential and diversity of rice landraces for grain Fe content https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4088 <p>Addressing micronutrient deficiency is increasingly recognized as a critical aspect of food and nutrition security in developing nations. Leveraging diverse genetic resources offers a promising avenue for identifying and enhancing micronutrient-rich genotypes through breeding strategies, thus providing sustainable solutions to this pressing challenge. The study aimed to identify rice genotypes with high Fe content and to study the extent of genetic divergence based on morphological and grain quality traits in a set of 50 native rice landraces over 2 different locations. A wide range of variation for grain Fe content was observed among the studied genotypes, which varied from 9.28–14.45 mg kg-1 and 1.88–4.87 mg kg-1 in brown and polished rice respectively. Results showed that the genotypes Jaya, Kalanamak, Kottara Samba, Gandakasala and Gopalbhog recorded high grain Fe content before polishing whereas Kottara Samba, Kalapathi Black, Jyothi, Chinnar and Kalanamak were found to have high Fe content after polishing. Interestingly, landraces possessing red seed coat color and medium slender grain group were identified to possess high grain Fe content. This was further substantiated by the correlation study where kernel breadth recorded a negative association with Fe content after polishing. Clustering resulted in 5 groups where the high Fe content possessing genotypes were grouped into clusters 2 and 4. Thus, these genotypes could be utilized as donors in further bio-fortification breeding programs.</p> konne Deepika Aravindan Shanmugam Rangarajan Manimaran Raman Pushpa Kaliappan Sathiya Bama Chellappan Umamageswari Suresh Ramalingam Copyright (c) 2025 konne Deepika, Aravindan Shanmugam, Rangarajan Manimaran, Raman Pushpa, Kaliappan Sathiya Bama, Chellappan Umamageswari, Suresh Ramalingam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.4088 Soil-driven physiological and biometric traits in Ceiba pentandra (L. Gaertn) via cleft grafting and seed propagation in Southern India https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4617 <p>Ceiba pentandra, a multipurpose tree species, is widely utilized in agroforestry and afforestation projects. Evaluating its growth in diverse soil types via sexual and asexual propagation is essential for its promotion in various ecological regions. Thus, the current study was carried out to assess the growth of kapok in Tamil Nadu black soil and red laterite soil. Seeds for sexual propagation and scion wood for asexual propagation (cleft grafting) of Ceiba pentandra were obtained from four superior trees in Coimbatore and Theni districts. Six-month-old nursery-raised seedlings were used as rootstock. Seeds were sown and cleft grafting was conducted in February 2023. Both seedlings and grafts were transplanted to two study locations in September 2023. Significant variations in biometric parameters among different sources, soil types and propagation techniques were observed. CP-29 ramet recorded maximum height, volume index, greater photosynthetic rate and relative water content. Significant correlations between growth attributes and physiological traits were documented in the current study. Positive correlation between photosynthetic rate, number of leaves and stomatal conductance were noted. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that principal component 1 (PC1) accounted for 59.7% of the total variability and PC2 accounted for 35.1%. Ramets established through cleft grafting in black soil have shown favourable growth. Thus, the CP29 and MTP01 exhibited superior performances based on growth traits. </p> R Banoo M Murugesh K Vaiyapuri B Rajagopal J Balamurugan I Sekar K B Sujatha N Yadav Copyright (c) 2025 Raziya Banoo, M Murugesh, K Vaiyapuri, B Rajagopal, J Balamurugan, I Sekar, K B Sujatha, Neelam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.4617 Rice straw biostimulants: Phytochemicals and effects on maize growth and tomato yield https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5111 <p>Biostimulants offer sustainable alternatives to enhance plant growth, resilience and crop yield, especially in organic farming. This study aimed to develop a nutrient-enriched biostimulant from rice straw, a widely available agricultural by-product, often burned, leading to environmental pollution. Rice straw was collected, processed and extracted using cow urine and deionized water (1:50). The extracts underwent phytochemical analysis via GC-MS and LC-MS, identifying bioactive compounds such as fatty acids, sterols, phenols and flavonoids. Elemental analysis confirmed the presence of key nutrients and trace elements, including potassium and magnesium, essential for plant growth. In-vitro assays on maize (CO6 hybrid) evaluated the biostimulant’s efficacy, showing a 12 % increase in germination and a 25 % improvement in seedling vigor at optimal cow urine extract concentrations (CE) (25 %). Root length and shoot biomass also exhibited significant improvements. Field experiments on tomato cultivar (Madhan hybrid) compared the effects of the rice straw-based biostimulant with panchagavya, a traditional organic preparation, alongside controls including cow urine and water. The findings revealed that the rice straw-derived biostimulant markedly improved fruit yield by 22 % compared to the control. This enhancement exceeded that of panchagavya, which achieved a 17 % increase in fruit yield. These results underscore the superior efficacy of the rice straw-based treatment, especially those extracted with cow urine, in enhancing crop productivity, reducing reliance on synthetic agrochemicals and promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural practices.</p> V Vinothkumar P Janaki T Chitdeshwari E Parameswari M Suganthy R Krishnan Copyright (c) 2024 V Vinothkumar, P Janaki, T Chitdeshwari, E Parameswari, M Suganthy, R Krishnan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.5111 Consumer awareness and adoption of multi-source edible oils: key influencing factors and barriers https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6042 <p>Edible oils are essential to Indian cooking methods and flavour profiles and they have long been a component of human nutrition and culinary traditions. These oils, derived from a range of plant sources, significantly improve the taste, texture and nutritional value of food. In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in Multi-Source Edible Oils (MSEO), also known as blended oils, which combine two or more types of vegetable oils to create products with improved cooking properties and nutritional profiles. Edible oil consumption is influenced by various factors, such as marketing efforts, culinary preferences and health consciousness. As lifestyle-related health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes become more prevalent, many consumers are becoming more concerned about their cooking oil choices. The purpose of this study is to examine consumer awareness, adoption factors and barriers related to MSEO in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The study uses statistical tools like factor analysis and Garrett ranking to identify the major factors and constraints in adopting MSEO. The study reveals that, while most respondents are aware of MSEO, only a few use it. Product performance emerges as the main factor influencing adoption, while marketing, health and economic variables also play a role. Major barriers include higher prices, preference for traditional oils and lack of knowledge. These findings can aid the development of strategies to enhance MSEO adoption, potentially leading to healthier dietary practices in the region.</p> G Asmithaa M Chandrakumar D Murugananthi G Vanitha E Parameswari Copyright (c) 2025 Asmithaa G, Chandrakumar M, Murugananthi D, Vanitha G, Parameswari E https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.6042 Valuating productivity and energy Use efficiency in mechanized sesame cultivation https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6355 <p>A field investigation at the regional research station in Vriddhachalam, Tamil Nadu, during summer and Kharif 2023 and in the summer of 2024 assessed crop establishment techniques, weed management and harvesting methods on sesame yield and energy efficiency. The main plot treatments included an inclined plate planter with pelletized seeds (M1), a pneumatic precision planter with pelletized seeds (M2), a pneumatic precision planter without pelletized seeds (M3) and manual line sowing (M4). Subplot treatments comprised Quizalofop ethyl + reaper binder (S1), Quizalofop ethyl + manual harvest (S2), hand weeding + reaper binder (S3) and hand weeding + manual harvest (S4) in a split-plot design. Line-sown sesame consistently produced higher seed (811, 768, 883 kg/ha) and biological yields (3436, 2979, 3869 kg/ ha) along with improved energy parameters, including energy ratio (1.696, 1.617, 1.828), net gain energy and energy productivity across three seasons. Pneumatic precision planters without pelletized seeds showed higher specific energy and energy intensity, while inclined plate planters with pelletized seeds recorded greater economic energy intensity. Among subplot treatments, hand weeding with reaper binder or manual harvest (S3, S4) resulted in superior seed and biological yields, lower energy input, higher energy output and better energy productivity. However, Quizalofop ethyl + manual harvest (S2) exhibited increased specific energy and economic energy intensity. This study highlights the benefits of sustainable practices and energy-efficient mechanization in sesame cultivation. The combination of line sowing, manual weed control and mechanized harvesting optimizes energy use and enhances productivity, supporting eco-friendly and economically viable sesame farming.</p> M Pragatheeswaran N Thavaprakaash C Harisudan R Umarani R Kavitha M Baskar Copyright (c) 2025 M Pragatheeswaran, N Thavaprakaash, C Harisudan, R Umarani, R Kavitha, M Baskar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-23 2025-02-23 12 1 10.14719/pst.6355 Assessment of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3562 <p>Brinjal breeding lines of the F<sub>3</sub> population (IC0598430 X CARI 1) were evaluated to estimate variability, heritability and genetic advance for different characters. Moderate PCV and GCV values were recorded for stem diameter, fruit weight and yield per plant. At the same time, low PCV and GCV were found for plant height, days to 50 % flowering, fruit length, fruit width, fruit length breadth ratio, fruit pedicel length, fruit pedicel diameter, number of branches per plant and number of fruits per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for fruit weight and yield per plant exhibiting that the traits are controlled by additive gene action. Therefore, direct selection may be followed for improving brinjal yield by examining these characters. In the grouping of the F<sub>3</sub> population into immune, highly resistant, resistant, moderately resistant, susceptible and highly susceptible as per the percentage of bacterial wilt disease incidence (PDI), all the lines understudy reported to be highly resistance.</p> Anil Kumar Vasa Gobinda Chandra Acharya Ponnam Naresh AVV Koundinya Gouri Shankar Sahu Pradyumna Tripathy Srinivas Petikam Anil Reddy Adamala Gowtham Singh Copyright (c) 2024 Anil Kumar Vasa, Gobinda Chandra Acharya, Ponnam Naresh, AVV Koundinya, Gouri Shankar Sahu, Pradyumna Tripathy, Srinivas Petikam, Anil Reddy Adamala, Gowtham Singh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.3562 Unveiling genetic variation in Egyptian cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) germplasm: A combined approach of morphological characterization and multivariate analysis https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4160 <p>Cotton (Gossypium sp.) is a commercial crop that is predominantly grown in tropical and subtropical regions, with India emerging as the largest producer globally. This study focused on the genetic diversity and morphological characterization of Gossypium barbadense L., the second most cultivated cotton species. Comprehensive data encompassing qualitative and quantitative traits, spanning morphological attributes to yield-contributing parameters were documented and analyzed using appropriate statistical analysis. The findings indicate the significance of specific attributes, viz., the number of monopodia and sympodia per plant, boll weight and fiber fineness, which emerged as highly reliable markers for selection. These traits exhibit elevated genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, along with substantial heritability and genetic advance as a percent of the mean. Based on per se performance, genotypes SBS 66, SBS 79 and EC 98254 will serve as a source for the selection of parents for improving traits viz., boll weight, upper half mean length, fibre fineness and single plant yield. Principal component analysis divided the total variance into 14 components and cluster analysis segregated the germplasm into 5 distinct clusters, highlighting the substantial genetic variation and the genotypes 3530, CBS 202, ERB 4488 and EGYPTIAN, which can be used as parents in the future breeding programme.</p> P Shanmugam Harini N Premalatha A Subramanian N Manikanda Boopathi K Guruswamy Copyright (c) 2024 P Shanmugam Harini, N Premalatha, A Subramanian, N Manikanda Boopathi, K Guruswamy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.4160 Impact of national development programs and legislations on the cereal crops seed sector in Iraq https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4722 <p>Agriculture is a crucial economic sector in Iraq, benefiting from abundant natural resources, skilled labor and essential infrastructure. These elements have enabled the sector to play a significant role in agricultural development, particularly in the production of strategic crops. Between 2010 and 2020, the Iraqi government implemented various policies and legislation aimed at advancing the seed sector. These efforts focused on supporting and developing seed-producing entities across governmental, mixed and private sectors, positioning them as essential instruments for executing the strategies of the government. Modern agricultural technologies, especially improved seeds, have been vital in boosting productivity and reducing costs. Therefore, the government has prioritized the adoption of advanced technologies within its agricultural policies and programs. These scientific innovations, particularly in seed production, are key to enhancing the cultivation of strategic crops. Improved seeds have thus become a cornerstone of Iraq’s agricultural development, contributing to both increased productivity and sustainable farming practices. This research aims to clarify the role of national development programs and legislation in strengthening the seed sector and increasing the production of strategic crops in Iraq. It reviews the progress in grain crop production between 2006 and 2020 and examines the most significant aspects of government policies, highlighting how legislation and national programs have played a pivotal role in the production of higher-grade seeds and the development of strategic crop cultivation. </p> ben ammou Saloua Ammar Mamdooh Abdulqader Ahmed Muhammad Jassim Al-Aqidi Copyright (c) 2024 ben ammou Saloua , Ammar Mamdooh Abdulqader, Ahmed Muhammad Jassim Al-Aqidi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.4722 Ecotype variations and endophytic fungal diversity of aquatic angiosperm: A case study with Lagenandra toxicaria Dalz https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5200 <p>A study on Lagenandra toxicaria ecotypes from Kottavayal, Pakkom and Mattilayam investigated the morphological variations in response to different pot sizes. The experiment employed a completely randomized design with three replicates to ensure reliable results. The researchers used statistical analyses to examine ecotype variations. The Duncan multiple range test calculated the mean separation at a 5% probability level. The study employed cluster analysis using the unweighted pair-group method of arithmetic averages and principal component analysis to identify and visualize the relationships among the samples. Cluster analysis revealed three distinct groups among the ecotypes, thereby shedding light on their relationships. The Kottavayal, Pakkom and Mattilayam ecotypes formed separate clusters, indicating their unique morphological characteristics. These findings provide valuable insights into the morphological diversity of Lagenandra toxicaria ecotypes and their adaptability to different environments. The endophytic fungal diversity details from this study revealed a high level of diversity, with 1408 isolates belonging to 12 families. The highest number of fungal isolates was observed during the summer. The present study revealed that the diversity was higher in the roots than in the leaves, higher than that of the rhizome of Lagenandra toxicaria. Colonization rate, Simpson’s diversity index and Shannon-Wiener’s diversity index were higher in root samples than in leaf and rhizome samples. MANOVA analysis revealed highly significant effects (p &lt; 0.01) of individual factors, including location, season and plant species and their interaction effects. These results indicate that endophytic fungal diversity is significantly influenced by these factors and their interactions at a significance level of 1%.</p> P Pooja E K Lekshmi N S Pradeep Copyright (c) 2024 P Pooja, E K Lekshmi, N S Pradeep https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.5200 Multi-index based analysis of genotype × environment interaction and selection of superior maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6072 <p>Genotype-environment interaction (GEI) plays a critical role in genotype adaptation, making it essential for selecting stable, widely adapted genotypes for cultivation. GEI estimation enables the identification of genotypes that perform consistently across diverse conditions. Models and stability indices derived from fixed-effect and/or mixed-effect models are frequently utilized for analyzing GEI and selecting genotypes. In this study, thirty hybrids developed through a diallele fashion, along with two checks, were grown across three environments during kharif 2023. Analysis of variance revealed significant contributions from the environment and GEI, alongside genotypic effects for eight traits studied, covering flowering, plant architecture and yield. Plot yield (t/ha) was subjected to additive main effects and multiplicative interaction effects (AMMI) analysis to study the stability and genotype interactions with the environment. The first two principal components (PCs) of AMMI analysis explained 69.1% and 30.9% of the total variation, respectively, identifying stable hybrids such as MH-TN-15 and MH-TN-30. The Genotype-genotype×environment (GGE) biplot further highlighted the adaptability and stability of all the genotypes, with the first two PCs explaining 86.11% of the G+GE variation. A multi-trait stability index (MTSI) was employed to select stable and high-performing genotypes across multiple traits. A comprehensive analysis of all the genotypes through various indices showed that hybrids MH-TN-15 and MH-TN-30 were consistently selected as stable and high-yielding genotypes across all indices, demonstrating higher yields than check hybrids and being identified for cultivation. These methods underscore the importance of combining yield and stability metrics for effective genotype selection in varied environments.</p> H D Mandalapu S Subbarayan V N Kumari S K R V Sathya S Natesan D Uma A Senthil Copyright (c) 2025 Himakara Datta Mandalapu, Sivakumar Subbarayan, Kumari Vinodhana N, Sathya Sheela K R V, Senthil Natesan; Uma D; Senthil A https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-12 2025-01-12 12 1 10.14719/pst.6072 Evaluation of sour-type pomegranate germplasm for field performance, fruit yield and anardana quality attributes https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6490 <p>Thirty-one sour-type pomegranate genotypes have been evaluated for growth, fruit yield, physico-chemical attributes and anardana quality in randomized complete block design under hot arid climate. Germplasm CIAH PG-1 had highest fruit number/plant 46.92 as well as fruit yield 12.40kg/plant, followed by Gul-e-Shah R. Pink (42.74 fruit number/plant and 10.98kg/plant) and Tujetis EC-104347 (42.75 fruit number/plant and 9.96kg/plant). The highest fruit weight 263.84g was also recorded in CIAH PG-1. The highest aril content (67.71%) was observed in CIAH PG-1 which was statistically at par with Khog and Bedana Seedless. The highest juice acidity was recorded in Tujetis EC-104347 (3.57%), statistically alike CIAH PG-1 (3.50%). The lowest dehydration ratio was observed in CIAH PG-A-3 (2.23), comparable to CIAH PG-A-5 (2.31). Maximum anardana recovery was reported in CIAH PG-1 (2.23kg/plant) which was followed by Tujetis EC-104347 (1.93kg/plant) and Gul-e-Shah Rose Pink (1.82kg/plant). The anardana acidity ranged from 4.63 to 7.99% and the promising germplasms with more than 7% acidity were AHPG H-2, Tujetis EC-104347, CIAH PG-1, Khog, Gul-e-Shah, IC-318712 and Tabest. Based on nine points hedonic scale, CIAH PG-1 received the highest overall acceptable sensory score of 8.67, followed by Tujetis EC-104347 and Gul-e-Shah R. Pink at 8.37 and 8.23 respectively. In conclusion, CIAH PG-1 demonstrated exceptional performance across various matrices, including field performance, anardana recovery, quality and sensory attributes, which establishes it as<br />the superior choice for quality anardana production. Tujetis EC-104347 and Gul-e-Shah R. Pink also observed suitable option for processing applications and valuable contributors to future breeding programs.</p> R Kumar M K Berwal J S Gora R R S Vijay Copyright (c) 2025 R Kumar, M K Berwal, J S Gora, R R S Vijay https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.6490 Quantitative estimation and phytochemical profiling of different extracts of Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) peel waste by GC-MS technique https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3667 <p>The plant species Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam., commonly called Jackfruit, belongs to the Moraceae family. It is typically abundant in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. Extensive research has revealed the presence of numerous beneficial compounds within jackfruit, which have demonstrated its potential in the treatment of various diseases. One environmental issue associated with the disposal of unused components of fruits, such as peels, perianths, rinds and outer cores, is the increasing accumulation of bio-waste. Using bioactive constituents found in fruit peels, typically regarded as waste material, offers numerous advantages for human consumption and exhibits potential as effective antimicrobial agents in agriculture. The present study is an attempt to gain complete knowledge of the phytochemical constituents such as flavonoids, polyphenolics, tannins, saponins, carbohydrates, reducing sugars and antioxidants found in the peels of jackfruit.</p> Arti Khati Rajesh Yadav Copyright (c) 2025 Arti Khati, Rajesh Yadav https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.3667 Optimizing hardening substrates and homozygosity testing for anther culture derived doubled haploid sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum L.) lines https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5391 <p>Sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum L.), a valuable vegetable crop, faces significant challenges in large-scale doubled haploid (DH) production due to high mortality rates during the hardening phase. This study aimed to optimize substrate conditions for successful DH hardening and to validate genetic uniformity using molecular markers. The research focused on four genotypes of sweet pepper: Asha, Sympathy, Nemalite and Indra. Various substrate combinations were evaluated, including coco peat, perlite, vermiculite, farm yard manure (FYM), and vermicompost. The results show that substrates containing coco peat, perlite, vermiculite, and vermicompost consistently achieved high survival rates and superior growth parameters. Specifically, substrate T6 (coco peat + perlite + vermiculite + vermicompost, (1:1:1:1)) achieved the highest survival rate, with the Asha genotype reaching 97.64%. This substrate also promoted optimal plant height and leaf production, with Asha reaching 11.75 cm and producing 14.5 leaves on average. Homozygosity testing using SSR markers (CAM-8, CAM19, CAM-54, CAM-79) confirmed that 447 (97.0%) of the 461 DH plants were true homozygous lines, with minimal diploid escapees across all genotypes. Among the genotypes, Indra exhibited the highest efficiency, with 98.4% of plants identified as true DH lines. Chi-square analysis showed no significant deviation from expected Mendelian ratios, affirming genetic stability. These findings highlight the importance of substrate optimization in enhancing the acclimatization and survival of DH lines and demonstrate the effectiveness of SSR markers in ensuring genetic uniformity. This study provides valuable insights for improving DH production protocols in sweet pepper breeding programs.</p> J Kaushik C K Pradeep A Arun Copyright (c) 2024 J Kaushik, C K Pradeep, A Arun https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.5391 Assessing the genetic landscape of Kapok (Ceiba pentandra L. Gaertn) progeny trial: a cluster analysis for sustainable natural fibre resources https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6096 <p>Ceiba pentandra, commonly known as the kapok tree or silk-cotton tree, exhibits diverse ecological roles, medicinal properties, economic value, and cultural significance. In this context, thirty-plus C. pentandra (kapok) trees were selected from various locations in the Theni and Dindigul districts of Southern Tamil Nadu based on superior traits by using the comparison tree method. Harvested pods provided seeds for establishing a progeny trial to evaluate seed source variation and other associated studies. Eleven traits were examined, including pod length, pod diameter, pod weight, shell weight, lint weight, floss weight, seed weight, number of seeds, tree height, girth at breast height, and number of branches. After two years and seven months, significant variations were observed among the genotypes in terms of biometric parameters and pod attributes of C. pentandra. Most characters, including pod weight, pod length, pod diameter, and floss weight, exhibited high heritability values and substantial genetic advances as a percentage of the mean. Cluster analysis categorized the thirty genotypes into four clusters. Notably, considering floss weight as a pivotal trait due to its significance as an alternate source of natural fibres, genotypes g28, g29, and g30 (originating from Sirumalai, Dindigul) were identified as superior to other genotypes. These genotypes can be utilized for further research programs to study genetic diversity at the genome level using advanced molecular tools.</p> Raziya Banoo M Murugesh K Vaiyapuri B Rajagopal K B Sujatha J Balamurugan P S Devanand Copyright (c) 2024 Raziya Banoo, M Murugesh, K Vaiyapuri, B Rajagopal, K B Sujatha, J Balamurugan, P S Devanand https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.6096 Mushroom-mediated silver nanoparticle synthesis: characterisation, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6744 <p>The use of biological agents for the synthesis of green nanoparticles has garnered significant attention, emerging as a promising approach in nanotechnology and materials science. In this study, silver nanoparticles were synthesised using an aqueous extract from cultivated mushrooms, including Chlorophyllum agaricoides PP410314, Coriolopsis trogii PP921338.1, Ganoderma sp. PP921328.1 and Lentinus tigrinus PP921339.1, grown on potato dextrose agar (PDA). The formation of these nanoparticles was confirmed through UV-visible spectroscopy, with maximum absorbance observed at 424 and 426 nm. Nanoparticles were characterised to assess their stability, shape, size and crystallinity using various analytical techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD pattern revealed 2? values corresponding to silver nanocrystals, with average crystallite sizes of 25.31, 27.05, 28.98 and 31.42 nm. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesised nanoparticles was tested against various microorganisms, including Escherichia coli ATCC25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC9027, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC6538 and Candida albicans ATCC10231, demonstrating a strong inhibitory effect. Furthermore, antioxidant assays confirmed that these nanoparticles exhibited significant activity, which increased with concentration, in comparison to vitamin C. Overall, the green synthesis approach successfully produces silver nanoparticles with robust antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which can be attributed to the bioactive molecules present on their surface.</p> A S Abdalrahman S Q Suliaman Copyright (c) 2025 Adiba Sharif Abdalrahman, Sara Qahtan Suliaman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-23 2025-02-23 12 1 10.14719/pst.6744 Preponderance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria associated with partially damaged tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) obtained from local markets in Southwest Nigeria https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3736 <p>Ripened tomato fruits tend to rapidly deteriorate after harvest due to the physiological activities of plant hormones and their naturally high-water content, which makes them susceptible to spoilage by microorganisms. This study was therefore carried out to isolate, characterize and identify pathogenic bacteria associated with partially rotten tomato fruits. Partially rotten tomato fruit samples were sourced from local markets in Southwest Nigeria and subjected to bacterial analysis. The level of susceptibility of the bacteria isolates to commonly used ?-lactamase antibiotics was evaluated via the disc diffusion method. The bacterial isolates with the highest resistance to all the antibiotics tested were selected for molecular characterization using 16S rRNA gene profiling. Forty-two bacterial isolates were obtained from the tomato samples, namely <em>Bacillus </em>spp. (26.19%), <em>Klebsiella </em>spp<em>.</em> (16.67%)<em>, Serratia </em>spp<em>.</em> (14.29%)<em>, Citrobacter </em>spp. (14.29%),<em> Staphylococcus </em>spp. (7.14%),<em> Pseudomonas </em>spp<em>.</em> (4.76%),<em> Micrococcus </em>spp. (4.76%),<em> Enterobacter </em>spp<em>.</em> (4.76%), <em>Providencia </em>sp. (2.38%),<em> Proteus </em>sp. (2.38%) and<em> Salmonella </em>sp<em>.</em> (2.38%). The highest level of antibiotic resistance of the bacterial isolates was against Ciprofloxacin (10 ?g) at 100%, followed by Zinnacef (20 ?g) at 72.77%, while the highest susceptibility was against Streptomycin (30 ?g) at 94.74%. Using phylogenetic analysis of their 16S rRNA gene sequence, three bacteria that were resistant to every single drug tested were identified as <em>Klebsiella pneumoniae</em>, <em>Enterobacter asburiae</em> and <em>Enterobacter cloacae</em>. This study shows that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are present in partially damaged tomatoes; thus, consumption of improperly cooked tomatoes could pose a significant public health risk.</p> Olumide Ekundayo Omotayo Fayokemi Blessing Faniyi Omowumi Temitayo Akinola Oyeshina Gideon Oyeku Copyright (c) 2025 Olumide Ekundayo Omotayo, Fayokemi Blessing Faniyi, Omowumi Temitayo Akinola, Oyeshina Gideon Oyeku https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-25 2025-02-25 12 1 10.14719/pst.3736 Wisdom of utilizing Zingiberaceae plants by traditional healers in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4215 <p>Plants in the ginger family are globally utilized in diverse ways, varying from region to region. This study aims to compile the uses of ginger family plants by traditional healers in five districts of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. These districts include Thung Song, Na Bon, Lan Saka, Chang Klang, and Ron Phibun, which have not been previously studied. Ten traditional healers were selected based on specific criteria. This qualitative research was conducted through semi-structured interviews combined with observations. The data were analyzed descriptively, including frequency, fidelity level (FL), and use value (UV). The study found that traditional healers use 16 species of ginger family plants, including Curcuma longa L., Zingiber ligulatum Roxb., Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf., Zingiber cassumunar Roxb., Amomum testaceum Ridl., Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd., Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe, Curcuma comosa Roxb., Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Roscoe ex Sm., Kaempferia galanga L., Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex Baker, Amomum biflorum Jack, Curcuma mangga Valeton &amp; Zijp, Alpinia purpurata (Vieill.) K.Schum., and Etlingera coccinea (Blume) S.Sakai &amp; Nagam. The highest FL values (100%) were found for four species, including Amomum biflorum Jack, Curcuma mangga Valeton &amp; Zijp, Alpinia purpurata (Vieill.) K.Schum. and Etlingera coccinea (Blume) S.Sakai &amp; Nagam. The highest UV value was found for Zingiber officinale Roscoe (0.4). Scientific evidence has identified 14 pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antifungal, gastroprotective, anthelmintic, anti-emetic, anti-platelet, antioxidant, analgesic, neuroprotective, renoprotective, aphrodisiac, anti-ulcer, antipyretic, and anti-asthma properties. These activities support the therapeutic effects used by traditional healers. Traditional healers use these ginger family plants as ingredients in polyherbal and monoherbal medicinal formulas. Ginger family plants play a crucial role in community healthcare and are employed in various ways. This constitutes a cultural heritage worthy of preservation and documentation for the benefit of global healthcare.</p> S Jitjum K Yincharoen W Hayeeyahya A Chemore T Ruangrit S Laohaprapanon Copyright (c) 2025 S Jitjum, K Yincharoen, W Hayeeyahya, A Chemore, T Ruangrit, S Laohaprapanon https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.4215 Evaluation of antimalarial potential of Artemisia nilagirica against chloroquine resistant and sensitive strains of Plasmodium falciparum https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4806 <p>Malaria represents a major vector borne global health problem. The greatest challenge in the malarial treatment is due to the increasing resistance of parasite to antimalarial drugs. The rise of drug-resistant malaria parasites is undermining the effectiveness of more potential drugs. Consequently, there is an urgent requirement for novel antimalarial compounds to manage this disease. Therefore, the current investigation is designed to analyze the antimalarial properties of Artemisia nilagirica against chloroquine (CQ) resistant K1 strain and chloroquine-sensitive 3D7 strain through different solvent extracts of various plant parts (root, stem, leaf and flower). Among the multiple extracts tested, the methanolic flower extract exhibited the highest antiplasmodial activity against CQ resistant K1 strain (IC50= 5.76 ?g/mL) and CQ-sensitive 3D7 strain (IC50= 6.24 ?g/mL) respectively. The lowest values of antimalarial activity were reported in aqueous extract of root against CQ resistant K1 strain (IC50= 68.83 ?g/mL) and CQ sensitive 3D7 strain (IC50= 70.02 ?g/mL). However, moderate activity was reported in chloroform, n-hexane, petroleum ether and ethanol extracts. The GC-MS investigation of methanol extracts of flower confirmed the availability of specific bioactive compounds like bicyclo (2.2.1) heptane-2-one 1,7,7-trimethyl, bicyclo (3.1.1) heptanes 2,4,6-trimethyl, 1,6- cyclodecadiene 1- methyl-5- methylene-8-(1-methyl ethyl) and 3,3- iminosprolamine, 3- methyl-3,5 (cyanoethyl) tetrahydro-4-thiopyranone which are responsible for antiplasmodial activity. The present study’s findings confirm the potential antimicrobial activity of flower methanolic extracts of A. nilagirica against CQ resistant and sensitive strains of P. falciparum.</p> S Panda S L Sahoo M Ranjit J R Rout Copyright (c) 2025 S Panda, S L Sahoo, M Ranjit, J R Rout https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-22 2025-02-22 12 1 10.14719/pst.4806 Impact of herbicide combinations on weed dynamics, crop productivity and economics in wet-direct seeded rice ecosystem https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5796 <p>A field experiment was conducted during the summer of 2023 at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, to evaluate the effects of various pre- and post-emergence herbicide combinations on weed dynamics and productivity in wet direct-seeded rice. The experiment employed a randomized block design with ten treatments replicated three times. The study assessed various weed management practices, including pre-emergence herbicides followed by post-emergence herbicides, pre-emergence herbicides followed by hand weeding, post-emergence herbicides followed by hand weeding, and the farmer's practice of two hand weedings. Key observations included weed flora, density, dry weight and crop parameters such as plant height, leaf area index, total dry matter production and yield attributes. The study found that, Echinochloa colona and Leptochloa chinensis were the dominant grasses, Cyperus difformis was the dominant sedge and Eclipta prostrata was the prominent broad-leaved weed. The pre-emergence application of pretilachlor + pyrazosulfuron ethyl effectively controlled grasses, sedges and broadleaf weeds, particularly at 20 DAS. The ready-mix formulation of pendimethalin followed by triafamone + ethoxysulfuron was most effective at 40 DAS and harvest, significantly reducing weed density and improving yield parameters.</p> A T Mathew G Prabukumar S Muniyandi R R P V Babu G Muthaiyan K Nagarajan V Manivannan K Thirukumaran P Parasuraman Copyright (c) 2025 A T Mathew, G Prabukumar, S Muniyandi, R R P V Babu, G Muthaiyan, K Nagarajan, V Manivannan, K Thirukumaran, P Parasuraman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-22 2025-02-22 12 1 10.14719/pst.5796 Influence of naphthalene acetic acid, gibberellic acid and triacontanol on fruit retention, yield and quality of mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Banganpalli https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6112 <p>A field investigation was carried out on fifteen-year-old mango cv. Banganpalli during 2021-2023 in the coastal region of India at the research farm of ICAR-IIHR-Central Horticultural Experiment Station, Bhubaneswar, Odisha to evaluate the efficacy of some plant growth regulators, namely naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), gibberellic acid (GA3) and triacontanol (TRIA) for improving fruit retention, yield and quality of harvest. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 10 treatments consisting of NAA (10, 20 and 30 ppm), GA3 (25, 50 and 75 ppm), TRIA (1, 3 and 5 ppm) and water spray as control. Each treatment was replicated thrice with four plants per replication. Treatments were applied on the plant canopy thrice at panicle initiation, pea and marble stages of fruit growth. Observations were recorded on flowering, fruiting, yield and fruit quality indices. Application of triacontanol at 3-5 ppm brought out a significant improvement over control in terms of panicle size, fruit retention and yield. Plants sprayed with 5 ppm triacontanol produced the largest panicle (length: 29.17 cm, width: 18.07 cm) and recorded the maximum value for fruit retention (68.93, 53.38, 39.41, 32.88, 26.54, 20.46 and 16.58% at 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 105 days after pea stage, respectively), number of fruits/tree (104.72) and yield (38.95 kg/tree). With respect to fruit quality, GA3 and TRIA exhibited significant influence on fractions of fruit, dry matter and on most of the chemical attributes (TSS, TSS/acid ratio, total sugar, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar and vitamin C) when applied at the concentration of 50-75 and 3-5 ppm, respectively. </p> S Deepa K Kishore S Behera G C Acharya Copyright (c) 2025 Deepa Samant, Kundan Kishore, Suchitra Behera, Gobinda Chandra Acharya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-30 2025-01-30 12 1 10.14719/pst.6112 Inheritance of fertility restoration in A4 cytoplasm of Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajanifolius L.) https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6120 <p>A set of three medium-duration CMS lines ICPA 2043, ICPA 2047, and ICPA 2048 were used in study to investigate fertility restoration by making twenty-eight test crosses at the Department of Pulses, TNAU, Coimbatore. ICPA 2047 exhibited fertility restoration ranging from 0-40 % with negligible pod setting except for the cross ICPA 2047×ICP 3181. In contrast, sixteen F1s derived from ICPA 2048 showed pollen fertility ranging from 10-48 % except for the cross ICPA 2048 × ICP 9224. Similarly, sixteen F1s derived from ICPA 2043 demonstrated 15-38 % pollen fertility, with ICPA 2043 × LRG 41 showing 98 % fertility and good pod setting. Among the hybrids, ICPA 2043 × LRG 41 exhibited high fertility, ranging from 95.58 % to 98.67 % over two years. This suggests that dominant fertility-restoring genes from the restorer parent were incorporated into the hybrid, which showed consistent fertility restoration across different years. In the current investigation, the restorer line ICP 3181 demonstrated monogenic inheritance of fertility restoration in crosses with ICPA 2047 and ICPA 2048, following 3:1 ratio. Conversely, the cross ICPA 2043 × LRG 41 exhibited a digenic duplicate dominance inheritance pattern. These results suggest that the fertility restoration in pigeonpea can be inherited monogenically or di-genically, depending on the hybrid. The identified hybrids, particularly ICPA 2043 × LRG 41 demonstrate significant potential for improving fertility restoration and enhancing productivity in pigeonpea breeding programs.</p> Arumugam Thanga Hemavathy Shanmugam Kavitha Muthusamy Sakila Venugopal Vijaya Geetha Mathivathana.M Kanimoli Santhi Madhavan Samyuktha Copyright (c) 2025 Arumugam Thanga Hemavathy; Shanmugam Kavitha, Muthusamy Sakila, Venugopal Vijaya Geetha, Mathivathana.M Kanimoli , Santhi Madhavan Samyuktha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-13 2025-02-13 12 1 10.14719/pst.6120 Hoya acuminata (Wight) Benth. ex Hook. f. (Apocyanaceae): An addition to the flora of Nagaland, India https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3269 <p><em>Hoya acuminata</em> (Wight) Benth. ex Hook. f. (Apocyanaceae) is reported here as a new distributional record and an addition to the flora of Nagaland from Kohima District.</p> Ruokuonuo Kuotsu Limasenla Copyright (c) 2024 Ruokuonuo Kuotsu, Limasenla https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.3269 Antibacterial effect of aqueous extract of Syzygium Aromaticum and floxacin against gram negative and positive bacteria: an in-vitro study https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4915 <p>Syzygium aromaticum is an antibacterial activity against various pathogenic microorganisms. A broad range of anti-disease activities estimate its potential therapeutic uses in treating numerous infectious disorders. The study aims to understand better how Syzygium aromaticum extract inhibits human pathogenic bacteria and demonstrate how the extract works to prevent the formation of bacterial biofilms and adhesion. The antibacterial action of the aqueous extract of Syzygium aromaticum was evaluated by using disc diffusion and the assay Agar-well diffusion. Its efficacy was compared with the antibiotic and determined. Additionally, tests on adherence and biofilm formation were conducted. All bacteria isolated from gram-negative (G -ve) and gram-positive (G +ve) bacteria were sensitive to Syzygium aromaticum extract and the range of inhibition zone (20 to 28) mm. Most isolated bacteria were sensitive to floxacin. Most bacterial isolates of Gram-negative bacteria exhibited Moderate adherence and biofilm activity to these extracts. Some bacteria isolates exhibited high adherence and biofilm activity to aquatic extracts of Syzygium aromaticum. The studys' findings were that the extracts from Syzygium aromaticum were highly effective against a variety of G-positive and G-negative isolated clinically, suggesting that they are superior to antibiotics sold in stores. Apart from strong resistance to adhesion and biofilm development.</p> GA Al-Oudah NKK Hindi LAM Al-Shalah RM Jalil Ewadh SM Mohammed Copyright (c) 2024 GA Al-Oudah, NKK Hindi, LAM Al-Shalah, RM Jalil Ewadh, SM Mohammed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.4915 Delineation and mapping of groundwater quality in Salem district: A comprehensive assessment of contaminant sources https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6001 <p>A comprehensive study was conducted at block level in Salem District, Tamil Nadu, India, to evaluate the major ionic chemistry and to assess the suitability of ground water for irrigation purpose. A total of 200 groundwater samples were systematically collected through grid survey and analyzed for major ionic constituents and irrigation water quality parameters. The resulting water quality parameters were interpreted based on established hydrochemical guidelines. The classification of groundwater samples under various quality categories based on pH, electrical conductivity (EC), residual sodium carbonate (RSC) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) indicates that many blocks (70 %) in the study area exhibit good-quality groundwater suitable for irrigation. However, exceptions (30 %) were observed in the blocks of Omalur, Mecheri, Kolathur and Pethanaickenpalayam having been observed with saline and alkali water quality. This might be due to the underlying metamorphic and crystalline rocks carrying the element calcium and sodium rich minerals are responsible for the development of saline/alkali groundwater. It was observed that mushrooming of industrial complexes in these blocks might also be the reasons for the development of saline or alkali groundwater. The need for this work is to evaluate groundwater quality for irrigation in Salem District and identify areas affected by saline and alkali contamination due to natural and industrial influences.</p> T Rajavarshini M Baskar S J T Rajammal S Rathika M Nagarajan R L Meena Copyright (c) 2025 Rajavarshini T, Baskar M, Sherene Jenita Rajammal T, Rathika S, Nagarajan M, Meena R L https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-07 2025-02-07 12 1 10.14719/pst.6001 Rapid depletion of total sugars in stored sweet corn seeds limits shelf life https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6141 <p>Sweet corn, a naturally occurring mutant of field corn, is characterized by elevated levels of water-soluble polysaccharides due to the inhibition of sugar-to-starch conversion during seed development. This mutation results in seeds with lower carbohydrate reserves, which pose challenges such as reduced germination, seed vigour, poor field establishment, and limited shelf life. In this study, we investigated the relationship between food reserve levels and seed germination and vigour in sweet corn over a storage period. Seeds from both sweet and field corn, each with 8% moisture content, were stored under three conditions: ambient air, nitrogen, and vacuum. After six months, sweet corn seeds exhibited a 30% decrease in germination under ambient conditions, accompanied by a 73% reduction in total sugars. In contrast, field corn seeds showed a 6% decrease in germination and a 22% reduction in total starch under the same conditions. Notably, seed germination and seedling dry matter production were significantly and positively correlated with food reserve levels in both sweet and field corn across all storage environments. Total sugars were identified as a significant contributor to seed germination in sweet corn (p &lt; 0.05), with regression models showing high R² values (0.9860 to 0.9998), indicating strong alignment with the observed data. These findings suggest that the depletion of total sugars in sweet corn seeds, driven by respiration and oxidation during storage, plays a critical role in the decline of seed quality and shelf life.</p> S Ashoknarayanan R Umarani C Vanitha T Eevera M Djanaguiraman P Sudha T Anand Copyright (c) 2025 S Ashoknarayanan, R Umarani, C Vanitha, T Eevera, M Djanaguiraman, P Sudha, T Anand https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.6141 Co-expression network analysis for identification of candidate genes regulating phosphorus use efficiency in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3328 <p>Phosphorus (P) is a crucial nutrient for plants, but its deficiency can significantly reduce crop yields, especially in wheat. To understand the genetic basis of Phosphorus Use Efficiency (PUE) in wheat, we analyzed the gene expression patterns of plants under phosphorus stress. We identified and analyzed 1194 differentially expressed genes, constructing a network of these genes through cytoscape. We have extracted 26 hub genes from this network, which are key players in PUE. These hub genes are involved in various biological processes related to phosphorus uptake, transport and utilization, as revealed by KEGG pathway analysis. Our findings provide valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying PUE in wheat and may contribute to the development of strategies for improving crop yields in phosphorus-deficient environments.</p> Nikhil Chand Rekha Dixit Pankaj Kumar Kuldeep Tyagi Neelesh Kapoor Nitesh Singh Prashant Vikram Sumira Malik Copyright (c) 2024 Nikhil Chand, Rekha Dixit, Pankaj Kumar, Kuldeep Tyagi, Neelesh Kapoor, Nitesh Singh, Prashant Vikram, Sumira Malik https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.3328 Phenotyping and diversity assessment of Dendrobium species by using DUS guidelines https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4068 <p>Dendrobiums are sympodial epiphytic orchids belonging to the family Orchidaceae. and have an extraordinary variation in bloom shape, size and colour. They are widely recognized for their enchanting beauty and longlasting quality. Morphological characterization of Dendrobium species was carried out using the DUS guidelines developed by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority (PPV and FRA) in New Delhi. A total of 15 Dendrobium species were characterized for 52 vegetative and floral traits. Among the 52 traits, 8 were monomorphic, 12 were dimorphic and 32 were polymorphic, indicating their potential for characterization. Principal component analysis showed 86.14% variation in the first 4 principal components with an eigenvalue &gt;1.0. The first and second principal components explained 41.43% and 19.45% of the total variation respectively. The dendrogram produced by a Ward analysis validated the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) findings. The Dendrobium species were grouped into 2 major clusters with three sub-clusters based on the correlation between the morphological traits among the species. Characterization established distinctiveness amongst the Dendrobium species. Breeders/farmers can use this study to distinguish between different species and apply for protection through the PPV and FR Authority, New Delhi. The trait-specific data generated while characterizing can be used to develop new inter-specific hybrids, which are common in orchids.</p> D Mahesh Reddy kalkame ch Momin V Bhargav Sunil Kumar Amit Kumar Singh Ph Arun Kumar Copyright (c) 2025 D Mahesh Reddy, kalkame ch Momin, V Bhargav, Sunil Kumar, Amit Kumar Singh, Ph Arun Kumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-08 2025-02-08 12 1 10.14719/pst.4068 Changes in carbon sequestration with age of trees in guava orchards at different locations in a tropical climate on Alfisols https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4456 <p>Understanding changes in carbon (C) fluxes resulting from land-use change patterns is essential for formulating effective climate change mitigation strategies. This study conducted at two different locations focuses on the dynamics of carbon sequestration in guava orchards as a function of tree age, a land-use type that is increasingly prevalent in agricultural regions. Through comprehensive sampling in different agro-climatic zones, the carbon content stored in tree biomass, litter, weeds and soil layers was assessed, the evaluation of which provided insights into carbon levels in different environmental contexts. Carbon sequestration was observed to increase with guava orchard age, with mean carbon stocks of 106.84 t C/ha in Dhenkanal and 114.35 t C/ha in Rayagada. In guava orchards aboveground carbon accounted for 21.22% and 22.38% of total carbon sequestered per hectare at the recommended spacing of 6 × 6 m in Dhenkanal and Rayagada, respectively. Our findings provide critical baseline data on carbon stocks in guava orchards as a function of tree age, contributing to the understanding of the carbon cycle in these cultivated ecosystems. This study highlights the importance of region-specific data, and suggests future research to include guava orchards in other regions with larger sample sizes to comprehensively assess carbon sequestration potential nationwide.</p> M Sipra A C Gobinda S C Subash T R Rupa K S Dibya D Abhiram A N Ganeshamurthy B K Bijay Copyright (c) 2025 M Sipra, A C Gobinda, S C Subash, T R Rupa, K S Dibya, D Abhiram, A N Ganeshamurthy, B K Bijay https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-21 2025-01-21 12 1 10.14719/pst.4456 Elemental analysis of humic acid through FTIR and GCMS method and evaluation of humic acid as bio-stimulant for enhancing the yield and quality of rice https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5037 <p>The use of humic substances (HS) as a bio-stimulant emerged as one of the sustainable ways of crop production. The purpose of this study is to analyze the chemical structure of humic acids (HA) through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) methods. This study also aimed to assess the effect of applying HA on the paddy (CO-55 rice variety) to improve the yield and quality of the crop. The experiments were laid out in a completely randomized design with three biological replications in July- 2023 and November-2023-24 at wetland farm (11o 0’5.73’’N latitude, 76o55’33.16’’E longitude for Kharif season and 11o0’7.65’’N latitude, 76055’35.64’’E longitude for Rabi season, respectively), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Here, four different concentrations of HA viz. 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 &amp; 0.4% were applied at active tillering and panicle initiation stages of rice along with soil test crop response - integrated plant nutrient system (STCR-IPNS) recommendation-based fertilizers. The application of various treatments showed positive effects in all the parameters of crops viz. growth, yield &amp; quality of rice. Foliar application of HA at 0.3 % recorded the highest grain yield of 5975 and 6245 kg ha-1 which was 5.75 and 6.0 % over control treatment and quality of rice grain viz. protein content (11.9 &amp;13.4 %) and starch (93 &amp; 90 %) in Kharif and Rabi season, respectively.</p> Sharad Rajesaheb Kadam S Suganya P Boominathan S Thenmozhi M Gnanachitra K Dinesh Kumar Copyright (c) 2024 Sharad Rajesaheb Kadam, S Suganya, P Boominathan, S Thenmozhi, M Gnanachitra, K Dinesh Kumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.5037 Effect of stingless bee (Tetragonula iridipennis) pollination on onion seed yield in Rabi and Kharif seasons https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6032 <p>The present study on stingless bee was carried out during Rabi and Kharif of 2022-2023 in farmers field at Oddanchatram, Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu to evaluate their efficiency in pollinating onion, cultivated for seed purpose. Two fields (10 km apart) were used, one with stingless bees (2 colonies/acre) and one without. Foraging activity was monitored every 4 days over 36 days and onion seed yield and germination were compared between open pollination and covered umbels. During Rabi, peak foraging activity occurred from 1100 to 1200 h with 23.6 outgoing bees/5min/h. Pollen and nectar foragers peaked between 1200 and 0100 h with means of 6.5 and 20.1 bees/5min/h, while resin foragers showed peaks at 1200-0100 and 0500-0600 h. Managed pollination yielded 165 kg/acre with 88% germination compared to 120 kg/acre and 77% without bees. In Kharif, similar peaks were observed, with pollen, nectar and resin foragers averaging 4.3, 19.4 and 2.0 bees/5min/h, respectively. Seed yield was 150 kg/acre with stingless bee pollination versus 110 kg/acre without bees, with germination rates of 86% and 74%. Stingless bee pollination improved onion seed yield by 37.5% in Rabi and 36% in Kharif, demonstrating their significant role in boosting crop productivity. Future studies should explore the long-term impacts of stingless bee pollination on crop yields and biodiversity.</p> B SaaiVignesh J Jayaraj R Nalini K Kumutha M R Srinivasan M Jayakanthan K Suresh Copyright (c) 2025 B SaaiVignesh, J Jayaraj, R Nalini, K Kumutha , M R Srinivasan, M Jayakanthan, K Suresh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.6032 Development and ergonomic evaluation of hand held vegetable seedling transplanter https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6279 <p>Efficient vegetable production is essential to meeting growing food demands, requiring innovative solutions to reduce labor intensity and enhance productivity. Vegetable cultivation, especially for small farmers, demands innovative and affordable solutions to enhance productivity and reduce labor-intensive practices. The mechanization of agricultural processes has become increasingly important in reducing the physical strain and time-intensive nature of traditional farming operations, paving the way for innovative tools that enhance efficiency and user comfort. Transplanting of seedlings, a highly drudgery-oriented operation, is mainly performed by women. A hand held seedling transplanter has been designed and developed for transplanting vegetables seedlings based on the anthropometric dimensions of the user population. The number of seedlings transplanted per min using the handheld seedling transplanter ranged from 19 to 21, compared to 16 to18 using the conventional method. By using the hand held seedling transplanter, a significant reduction in the cost of operation was achieved, with 11.44 to 16.52% savings in cost reported. The average working heart rate while transplanting using the seedling transplanter was 103 bpm, compared to 120 bpm for conventional transplanting. The average energy expenditure while transplanting the seedlings using the seedling transplanter was 7.72 kJ min-1, compared to 10.94 kJ min-1. The performance evaluation of the designed transplanted indicted an increase in human productivity and a decrease in musculoskeletal discomfort during the transplanting process. The introduction of ergonomic and cost-effective solutions, such as the handheld seedling transplanter, not only improves productivity and reduces operational costs but also promotes sustainable practices while prioritizing the well-being of farmers.</p> P K Padmanathan P Parimalam S Thambidurai B Nallakurumban T Arumuganathan Copyright (c) 2025 P K Padmanathan , P Parimalam, S Thambidurai, B Nallakurumban, T Arumuganathan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-30 2025-01-30 12 1 10.14719/pst.6279 Evaluation of in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Simarouba glauca leaf extract https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3447 <p><em>Simarouba glauca</em> is a medicinal plant native to India and other tropical regions of South and Central America. Although this plant is widely used to cure many diseases, a systematic study is lacking to understand its medicinal value. Thus, we focused on analysing the phytochemical composition of <em>S. glauca</em> leaf extracts and evaluating <em>in vitro</em> anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities using standard bioassays. The anti-inflammatory activity was conducted using protein denaturation assay, heat-induced hemolysis and lipoxygenase inhibitory assays, which revealed IC<sub>50 </sub>values of 328 µg/mL, 342.6 µg/mL and 432.1 µg/mL, for the aqueous, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts, respectively. For antioxidant activity, the aqueous, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts demonstrated scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS radicals, with IC<sub>50</sub> values of 180.7 ?g/mL, 209.7 ?g/mL and 678.2 ?g/mL for DPPH and 75.3 µg/mL, 83.9 µg/mL and 225.8 ?g/mL for ABTS, respectively. Further, the FRAP assay showed scavenging activity of 72.28±0.76 ?g/28 mL, 72.5±0.75?g/mL and 16.8±0.58 µg/mL and the phosphomolybdate method exhibited significant antioxidant activity of 80.0 ± 0.87 µg/mL, 81.39 ± 0.69 µg/mL and 47.17 ± 0.58 µg/mL, respectively. All these results indicate that aqueous and ethanol extracts of <em>S. glauca</em> leaf display potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and thus could further be explored for its utility as a therapeutic agent.</p> Aljawobaei Waleed Thippeswamy N B Ali Saif S M Achur Rajeshwara Copyright (c) 2025 Aljawobaei Waleed, Thippeswamy N B, Ali Saif S M , Achur Rajeshwara https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-06 2025-01-06 12 1 10.14719/pst.3447 Relative influence of nitrogen induced crop parameters on yield of rice using principal component analysis model https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4137 <p>Nitrogen (N) plays a crucial role in metabolic and physiological processes of rice. As a result, N causes variation in status of growth parameters, yield attributers as well as grain and straw yield of rice. Data base on various growth parameters recorded in different time and that of yield attributers can be used to work out the individual relationship of each parameter with grain or straw yield. Such statistical analysis may not yield a concrete result. However, principal component analysis (PCA) helps in identifying the principal components among the observed parameters and their relative influence on grain or straw yield. With such background a field study was carried out in southern Odisha, India; to assess the performance of different crop parameters and yield of kharif rice under seven nitrogen levels. Crop was exposed to: 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 kg N ha<sup>-1</sup>. Increase in N level increases the magnitude of: plant height, total tiller number per m<sup>2</sup>, leaf area index (LAI), number of panicles bearing tiller per m<sup>2</sup>, number of spikelets per panicle, panicle length, per cent filled grains, grain and straw yield. Status of all variables increased with an increase in N level. The increment was significantly differed among the treatments, when the N level difference was 40 kg N ha<sup>-1</sup>. Principal component analysis (PCA biplot) established that, a strong performance of rice under N<sub>80</sub> (which is the recommended dose of rice in this region) followed by N<sub>60</sub>, N<sub>100</sub>, N<sub>40</sub>, N<sub>120</sub> and so on. The parameter, ‘panicle bearing tiller 90’ is the well representative parameter in the PCA space followed by percent filled grain and plant height.</p> S Rishitha T Shankar T Biswas C V Raghava P K Patra S Sarkar Copyright (c) 2024 S Rishitha, T Shankar, T Biswas, C V Raghava, P K Patra, S Sarkar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-06 2025-01-06 12 1 10.14719/pst.4137 Age-dependent variations in carbon sequestration in mango orchards on alfisols in tropical climates https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4660 <p>Understanding carbon fluxes from land-use transitions is vital for climate change mitigation, as activities like deforestation and urban expansion alter carbon storage and emissions. These alterations impact the carbon cycle, affecting the balance between carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) absorption and its emission into the atmosphere. A thorough understanding of land use and land-use change dynamics in a specific region is essential for this analysis. Notably, the growing cultivation of fruit crops on agricultural land greatly enhances carbon sequestration potential. This study found that carbon sequestration in mango orchards increased with age of the trees. On average, 115.57 t C/ha was sequestered in Dhenkanal and 130.48 t C/ha in Rayagada. In these orchards, above-ground carbon constituted 24.45% in Dhenkanal and 27.69% in Rayagada of the total carbon sequestered per hectare, using the recommended 8 m x 8 m tree spacing. Collecting fundamental data on the carbon content of various land-use and land-use change categories at the regional level is crucial for effective climate change mitigation. This study provides novel insights into carbon stocks in mango orchards relative to tree age, enhancing our understanding of the carbon cycle within mango cultivated systems. Subsequent research should encompass mango orchards from many regions around the country, employing higher sample sizes to more accurately measure carbon sequestration in farmed mango orchards countrywide.</p> S Mohapatra G C Acharya S C Swain T R Rupa D S Kar A Dash A N Ganeshamurthy S Mohapatra D Gautam Copyright (c) 2024 S Mohapatra, GC Acharya, SC Swain, TR Rupa, DS Kar, A Dash, AN Ganeshamurthy, S Mohapatra, D Gautam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-10 2025-01-10 12 1 10.14719/pst.4660 Effect of plant growth regulators for yield enhancement in finger millet under drought stress https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6062 <p>Finger millet (Ragi) is considered as wonder millet because of its high nutritive and therapeutic values. Drought is a major abiotic stress which limits the crop production and yield potential of finger millet. Considering the yield losses faced by the farmers during drought condition, foliar application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) is widely used to improve the physiological response that might lead to rapid changes in phenotype of the plant and enhancing the production of crops. Finger millet is less efficient in partitioning of assimilates and has low actual yield potential even as a C4 crop. To address these issues, experiments were conducted for improving the partitioning efficiency and yield. Hence, an experiment was conducted to mitigate the drought in finger millet through PGRs. The stress was imposed during flowering stage in the finger millet variety CO15 where different kinds of PGRs viz., Brassinosteroid, Salicylic acid and Chlormequat chloride were used in this experiment. After imposing the treatments, physiological, biochemical and yield traits were recorded. Foliar spray of 0.3 ppm brassinosteroid and 100 ppm salicylic acid exhibited superior performance for improving the osmotic potential, reduces the membrane lipid damage, better chlorophyll pigments, nitrate reductase activity and improved antioxidant system which leads to mitigate the negative impacts of drought in finger millet.</p> N Sritharan K K Surendar S Nithila C Tamilselvi R Anitha S Krishnakumar G S Kumar A Sumathi V B R Prasad Copyright (c) 2025 N Sritharan, K Krishna Surendar, S Nithila, C Tamilselvi, R Anitha, S Krishnakumar, G Senthil Kumar, A Sumathi, V B R Prasad https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.6062 Synergistic effects of seaweed extract presoaking and foliar spray on the performance of paddy improved kavuni (CO 57) https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6412 <p>Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple food crop and a primary source of sustenance for more than half of the world's population. Seed treatments and foliar applications have emerged as effective methods to enhance growth and yield attributes. In this study, improved kavuni (CO 57) seeds were used for a field experiment conducted during the Samba season (2023). The experiment was designed using a Factorial Randomized Block Design with 15 treatments and three replications, focusing on foliar spray applications. The primary objective was to evaluate the impact of Sargassum myricocystum, Kappaphycus alvarezii methanol extract and foliar spray on rice growth and productivity. The results revealed that the combined application of presoaking seeds in 0.5 % Sargassum myricocystum methanol extract with a foliar spray of 2.5 % seaweed extract at the panicle initiation and flowering stages (T1F2) significantly enhanced plant growth and yield parameters. Higher plant height (121 cm), leaf area index (4.85), dry matter production (5180 kg ha- ¹), productive tillers (281 m- ²), filled seeds per panicle (170), 1000 seed weight (22.34 g), seed yield (4552 kg ha- ¹) and straw yield (6370 kg ha- ¹) were recorded under T1F2 compared to other treatments. The use of organic input seaweed extracts, improved plant quality and yield sustainably without harming the natural ecosystem. This study highlights the significant potential of seaweed extracts in enhancing overall crop performance, leading to optimal plant growth characteristics and yield attributes. The findings emphasise the role of organic inputs in promoting sustainable agriculture, contributing to environmental conservation while supporting food security.</p> R Elamparithi K Sujatha V Alex Albert T Sivakumar A Gurusamy M L Mini Copyright (c) 2025 R Elamparithi , K Sujatha, V Alex Albert, T Sivakumar, A Gurusamy, M L Mini https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-23 2025-02-23 12 1 10.14719/pst.6412 Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant, cytotoxicity and FTIR analysis of whole plant extract of Elephantopus scaber L. (Asteraceae) https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3650 <p>Elephantopus scaber L. belongs to the family Asteraceae, is a common wild herb that forms undergrowth in shady places. Decoction of whole plant is used as an antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antipyretic, diuretic, emollient and tonic. The main aim of the proposed work is the evaluation of in vitro antioxidant, in vitro cytotoxicity and FTIR analysis of crude methanolic whole plant extract of E. scaber L. In the preliminary phytochemical analysis glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenols, tannins and saponins were found whereas steroids were absent. In antioxidant analysis, two important assays such a DPPH radical scavenging assay and Nitric oxide radical scavenging assay were selected. In DPPH radical scavenging assay, it was noticed that the ability of methanolic whole plant extract had highest scavenging effect on the DPPH radical which was increasing with an increase in the concentration of the sample whereas in Nitric oxide scavenging assay, compared to standard drug ascorbic acid methanolic whole plant extract showed moderate radical scavenging activity. In in vitro cytotoxic analysis, whole plant extract showed potential cytotoxic activity against different cell lines like MCF 7 (Human Breast Cancer Cell line) and HCT 116 (Human Colon Cancer Cell Line). The cytotoxic effect was expressed as IC50. The IC50 value against MCF-7 cell line was 78.76 ± 1.23 µg/mL whereas 98.40 ± 1.56 µg/mL against HCT-116 cell lines, which indicated that the crude whole plant extract of E. scaber L. showed high cytotoxicity effect against selected cancer cells lines. FTIR spectroscopic analysis revealed that various characteristics frequencies with peak values. This study suggests that whole plant extract of E. scaber L. exhibit high antioxidant and cytotoxicity potentials and will be helpful for the sustainable utilization of the plant.</p> <p><strong><sup> </sup></strong></p> G Sangeetha M S Jisha Copyright (c) 2025 G Sangeetha, M S Jisha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-22 2025-02-22 12 1 10.14719/pst.3650 Bacterial community of brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) revealed by high throughput amplicon sequencing https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4184 <p>The bacterial symbionts of brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), a key sucking insect pest of rice in India and Asia, have been known to play many important physiological functions. Reports of yeast-like symbionts of N. lugens are widely known, but little is known about the bacterial microbes. In this study, the bacterial community structure and diversity were examined in N. Lugens collected from four major rice-growing regions of India utilizing culture-independent high throughput sequencing. The Mi seq technology identified a total of 1277 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) representing 4 phyla mainly (Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes) by analyzing 16S rDNA gene libraries. The major microbial groups were similar in the four samples, but their distribution patterns were different, especially in Raichur. While the top three bacterial genera linked to Imphal, Pantnagar, and Raichur were Methylobacterium, Sphingomonas, and Acinetobacter; Wolbachia accounted for 87.46% of the total genera found in Raipur. The identified dominant microbial groups have been known for their crucial role in insect’s life cycle. Diversity analysis tests revealed Raichur has the highest species diversity as determined by the high Shannon and Simpson index. According to ACE and Chao1 diversity estimates, Pantnagar has the highest species richness. Understanding the bacterial communities and studying their functional roles will help in formulating biological control strategies specific to this sucking pest.</p> S Tyagi N Srinivasa R N Singh V Arya Copyright (c) 2024 S Tyagi, N Srinivasa, R N Singh, V Arya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.4184 Study of the upper epidermis of leaves of Zizyphus species and varieties in Central and Southern Iraq https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4742 <p>The results showed that some anatomical features of the leaves have good taxonomic value for distinguishing between these species and varieties. The upper epidermal cells of the studied species and varieties showed clear differences in their dimensions. Although the two species Z. mauritiana and Z. spina-christi, existed under the same environmental conditions, the dimensions of the upper epidermal cells of the first species were more significant than those of the second, which made them a distinctive feature of this species. Z. nummularia, the upper epidermis of the varieties of this species, was also significant in dimensions, unlike Z. nummularia, in which the upper epidermal cells were large in dimensions. The difference was also evident in the thickness of the surface walls of the upper epidermal cells, which were thicker in most species of Z. mauritiana than in the rest of the species, especially the cells of Armouti Tailandy, which were even thicker than the walls of the upper epidermal cells of Z. nummularia, despite the harsh conditions in which this species lives. The variation in the distribution of stomata on the surface of the upper epidermis was apparent between species and sometimes between varieties of the same species. As mentioned in the results, this variation helped include the species and varieties in one group. This reflects the close evolutionary relationship between them. Then, the frequency of stomata on the surface of the upper epidermis of species Z. nummularia is higher than that of the rest of the species. This may seem natural for the species Z. nummularia due to the nature of the desert environment.</p> I J Kamil S H H Al-hassnawy Copyright (c) 2025 Iman Jabbar Kamil, Salwa Hamza Hussein Al-hassnawy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-12 2025-01-12 12 1 10.14719/pst.4742 Analysis of yield and its components in black gram through generation mean analysis https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5289 <p>Understanding the gene action governing yield and its component traits is crucial for developing an effective breeding strategy. In the present study, generation mean analysis was employed to unravel the genetic architecture of yield and its component traits in three crosses of black gram. The crosses, namely ADT 3 × VBG 17007 (cross 1: C1), ADT 3 × VBG 19010 (cross 2: C2) and VBG 13003 × VBG 17007 (Cross 3: C3), were developed using four parents contrasting in salt tolerance. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the five generations-P1, P2, F1, F2 and F3-for most of the traits. All studied traits showed significance in either one or both the C and D scales, indicating the inadequacy of the additivedominance model in explaining the genetic variation. Most traits, except for clusters per plant in Cross 1 (ADT 3 × VBG 17007) and seeds per pod across all crosses, exhibited significant additive genetic components. Furthermore, non-additive components, including dominance, additive × additive and dominance × dominance interactions, were significant for all traits across the three crosses. This<br />suggests the presence of epistasis, emphasizing the need to delay selection to later generations in these crosses for effective genetic improvement.</p> D Palanisamy M Narayana G K Nalliappan J Ponnusamy H Sankarasubramanian B R P Venugopal Copyright (c) 2025 D Palanisamy, M Narayana, G K Nalliappan, J Ponnusamy, H Sankarasubramanian, B R P Venugopal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-25 2025-02-25 12 1 10.14719/pst.5289 Climatic and edaphic influences on productivity and carbon sequestration of farm grown teak (Tectona grandis, linn.f) in Tamil Nadu, India https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6090 <p>Teak (<em>Tectona grandis,</em> Linn.f) is one of the most sought-after tree crops due to the exceptional quality and high market value of its timber. Currently, the Indian subcontinent imports a significant quantity of teak to meet its growing demand. The growth and wood quality of teak are influenced by edaphic and climatic variations across sites, a factor that has been largely underexplored in research. The primary objective of the study is to analyse teak growth, wood quality, and carbon sequestration potential under farmland condition. To address this, the study was conducted across three agroclimatic zones of Tamil Nadu: North Eastern Zone (NEZ), North Western Zone (NWZ), and Cauvery Delta Zone (CDZ), focusing specifically on farmland conditions. The analysis encompassed biometric attributes, volume, and carbon sequestration potential of farm-grown teak across different age classes. The findings of the study reveal that among the three agroclimatic zones, the NEZ (15-20 years age class) recorded the highest biometric attributes, including mid diameter (MD) (0.193 m), volume (0.379 m<sup>3</sup>), heartwood proportion (0.239 m<sup>3</sup>), and carbon sequestration (0.683 Mg/acre).. Based on the overall performance, trees in the 15-20 years age class exhibited superior heartwood formation under farmland conditions. Therefore, this age class is recommended for teak cultivation in farmland conditions across Tamil Nadu to maximize growth, wood quality, and carbon sequestration potential.</p> NS Krishnan A Balasubramanian M Sivaprakash R Ravi B Sivakumar CN Hari Prasath G Swathiga V Manimaran KS Anjali Copyright (c) 2024 NS Krishnan, A Balasubramanian, M Sivaprakash, R Ravi, B Sivakumar, CN Hari Prasath, G Swathiga, V Manimaran, KS Anjali https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.6090 Exploring the impact of heat waves on early crop growth in sugarcane clones https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6520 <p>Sugarcane, a vital crop for sugar production and increasingly important for biofuels, faces challenges due to frequent and unusual weather patterns as well as rising temperatures. Heat stress poses a significant threat to plant health, leading to dehydration, reduced photosynthesis, stunted growth and ultimately diminished yields. This study evaluates heat stress tolerance in 32 sugarcane clones selected from a group of 1,261 clones based on their high Brix percentage and early vigour. Plant height was recorded at 15-day intervals and revealed a significant reduction between days 76 to 90, with an average increase of only 7.8 cm in plant height compared to an overall increase of32.7 cm. This period coincided with an eight-day severe heat wave reported by the Indian Meteorological Department. Despite the stress, five clones exhibited normal growth during this period, demonstrating their potential resilience. The study identified these promising heat-tolerant clones as candidates for breeding programs aimed at developing varieties with enhanced heat stress resilience.</p> T Thirumurugan A Tamilchelvan D Sassikumar S Thangeswari G Porkodi R Anitha S Chitra S Nithila Copyright (c) 2025 T Thirumurugan, A Tamilchelvan, D Sassikumar, S Thangeswari, G Porkodi, R Anitha, S Chitra, S Nithila https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-13 2025-02-13 12 1 10.14719/pst.6520 Antifungal activity of ethanol and methanol extracts from Ageratum conyzoides L. against Fusarium oxysporum https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3017 <p>Billygoat weed (<em>Ageratum conyzoides</em> L.) is generally distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. This herb not only has activity against a range of crop pests and pathogens but also boasts a rich history of traditional medicinal use across various countries worldwide. Studies of <em>Ageratum conyzoides</em> have provided evidence of the presence of a wide variety of phytochemicals that are capable of demonstrating its pesticidal, antimicrobial properties. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of various extracts from the billygoat weed on the antifungal activity against <em>Fusarium oxysporum</em>, a fungus that causes diseases for many crops. The billygoat weed powder was extracted with 2 solvents, ethanol and methanol at 4 concentrations (30 %, 50 %, 70 % and 90 %) and the antifungal activity of the extracts was determined by measuring the inhibition of fungal growth diameter at different extract concentrations (0 %, 1 %, 2 %, 4 % and 8 %). The results demonstrate that the E90 and M90 extracts, at a concentration of 8 %, exhibit better antifungal activity compared to the other extracts at the same concentration, with inhibition rates of 87.21 % and 89.77 % respectively. Moreover, when conducting a 2-factor ANOVA analysis, there was an interaction between solvent strength and extract solution concentration on the growth of <em>Fusarium oxysporum</em>. Hence, <em>Ageratum conyzoides</em> has the potential to be applied in the control of some harmful fungi on plants, oriented as biological pesticides.</p> Tran Thi Thu Phuong Nguyen Ba Khanh Trinh Nguyen Dinh Thao Ngan Nguyen Thi Nhu Quynh Copyright (c) 2025 Tran Thi Thu Phuong, Nguyen Ba Khanh Trinh, Nguyen Dinh Thao Ngan, Nguyen Thi Nhu Quynh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-07 2025-02-07 12 1 10.14719/pst.3017 Effect of foliar spraying with cadmium chloride (CdCl2), oxalic acid and their interactions on some physiological traits of bean (Vicia faba L.) https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3727 <p>The essay was regulated through the 2022-2023 developing period according to the Randomized complete block design (RCBD) as a working experiment (3×2) with three replications, each replication included 12 pots to examination the event of foliar splash with cadmium chloride (CdCl2) at two concentrations (200 and 300) mg L-1 and oxalic acid in assembly (50, 100 and 150) mg L-1 on some physiological characteristics of bean plants, If after math show meaningful rising in rising in catalase enzyme activity (44.67 intake unit Ml-1) vitamin C content (87.40 mg 100 gm m-1 wet weight) and proline acid content (61.19 µg gm-1 fresh mass) also Hydrogen peroxide content (3.20 µg gm-1 fresh weight) when plants related at the concentration 300 mg L-1 of CdCl2, while there was a significant decline in the average motion of salicylic acid content under the same treatment, as for treating the plant with oxalic acid led to a substantial increase in vitamin c content (85.88 mg 100 gm-1 wet weight) proline acid content (73.94 µg gm-1 fresh mass) Hydrogen peroxide content (2.70 µg gm-1 fresh weight) and salicylic acid content (13.20 µg gm-1) when plant treated at the concentration 150 Mg L-1, while there was a significant decrease in catalase enzyme activity (33.29 intake unit ml-1) at the same concentration. As for the connect between the two essay factors, it had a significant effect on most of the traits studied. </p> S F M AL-Saady M DY El-Jubouri F A Hussein S H Cheyed Copyright (c) 2025 Sahar Faeq Mahdi AL-Saady, El-Jubouri Mohammed DY, Farhan Ali Hussein, Saddam Hakeem Cheyed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.3727 Genotype trait analysis to identify potential resistant types to root knot nematode in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4205 <p>Six F1 hybrids were tested for nematode resistance along with their parents and commercial cultivars for two seasons and the pooled mean results were analysed to explore the genetic potential of traits linked to specific genotypes. Nine quantitative, four qualitative and six physiological parameters were analyzed to identify superior hybrids through statistical models viz., analysis of variance, GE biplot and Wards clustering. The hybrids Hisar Arun×HN2 (susceptible), Arka Abha×HN2 and LE 812×HN2 (resistant) were found to be superior for yield per plant under stressed conditions. Higher plant height was observed in IIHR 2868 (86.21cm), primary branch in Arka Abha×HN2 (5.68) and shorter root length in Hisar Lalith (16 cm). Resistant hybrids exhibited earlier flowering i.e., 25 days and less fruit number. The susceptible genotypes expressed lower fruit number (17-20 fruits) on the contrary resistant hybrids had more than 20 fruits. The yield ranged between 667 g in CLN2123A to 1189 g in Hisar Arun×HN2. Under stressed conditions, the resistant hybrids Arka Abha×HN2 and LE 812×HN2 produced yields of 1169 g and 1153 g, respectively. Genotype Trait Biplot revealed that the PC1 and PC2 had contributed 70 % to the total variance and positive contributions to parents and hybrids were capped. The hybrids LE 812×HN2 and Arka Abha×HN2 can be well utilized in root knot nematode infested fields. The contribution of parents and its hybrids, associated traits and their interrelationships provide new dimension for the breeders to select trait specific parents and hybrids for crop improvement programs.</p> R P Kamalkumaran R Arunkumar K Kumanan S Muthuramalingam M Anand M Velmurugan Copyright (c) 2025 R P Kamalkumaran, R Arunkumar, K Kumanan, S Muthuramalingam, M Anand , M Velmurugan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-12 2025-01-12 12 1 10.14719/pst.4205 Growth and yield of irrigated maize (Zea mays L.) as influenced by mechanization and nutrient management practices https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4777 <p>Maize is a dominant and promising crop grown in almost all regions throughout the year for various purposes, owing to its wide adaptability. In India, the productivity of maize is low, which can be attributed to usage of conventional varieties, inadequate supply of organic and inorganic fertilizers, low adoption of mechanization practices, and the indiscriminate use of pesticides and fungicides etc. Among these factors, mechanization and nutrient management practices play a critical role in influencing productivity through supply of nutrients and ensuring timeliness of operations. Keeping in view the above facts, field experiments were conducted in the Department of Agronomy and the Department of Millets during Kharif seasons of 2018, 2019 and 2020 to study the growth and yield of irrigated maize as influenced by mechanization practices and nutrient management strategies. The results of mechanization experiment revealed that T3 - sowing by inclined plate planter (75 × 20 cm – drip tape irrigation) + spraying of pre-emergence herbicide (3 days after sowing (DAS) - after irrigation) + weeding by power weeder (30 - 35 DAS) achieved higher grain yield (5549 kg ha-1), net returns (Rs. 58, 158 ha-1), and B:C ratio (2.66). The results of nutrient management experiments revealed that the application of 250:75:75 kg NPK/ha (100% the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) achieved higher grain yield (7327 kg ha-1), net returns (Rs. 73518/ha) and B: C ratio (2.50) in maize (T2).</p> A P Sivamurugan A Surendrakumar C Bharathi R Karthikeyan S Pazhanivelan V Manivannan P Shanmugapriya Copyright (c) 2025 A P Sivamurugan, A Surendrakumar, C Bharathi, R Karthikeyan, S Pazhanivelan, V Manivannan, P Shanmugapriya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-20 2025-01-20 12 1 10.14719/pst.4777 Growing environments and cultivar selection limits wheat growth and yield potential in Punjab https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5785 <p>Selecting a suitable sowing time and cultivar can play a pivotal role in sustaining wheat productivity in north India while mitigating the influence of climate extremes. Field experiments were conducted in two distinct climatic regions (Ludhiana and Gurdaspur), of Punjab, India to assess the influence of different sowing environments and cultivars on wheat growth and yield. The crop was sown on three dates (early-5 November, mid-20 November and late-5 December) with two popularly grown wheat cultivars (PBW725 and PBW677). The results indicated that mid and late sowing significantly shortened phenological phases compared to early sowing at both study sites. Wheat sown on 5 November accumulated more thermal time, exhibited a greater leaf area index (LAI), intercepted more photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR), and demonstrated superior radiation use efficiency (RUE). Early-sown wheat also produced higher biological yield (BY), grain yield (GY), irrigation water use efficiency and heat use efficiency compared to delayed sowing at both sites. The wheat cultivar PBW725 outperformed PBW677 in terms of phenological duration, yield, thermal time accumulation, IPAR, LAI and RUE at both sites. IPAR and RUE exhibited a strong positive correlation and regression with the periodic dry matter accumulation of wheat. Linear regression revealed that LAImax (maximum LAI) and ?LAI (accumulated LAI) were the best determinants of BY of wheat. These findings highlight the significance of optimizing growing environments and cultivar selection in mitigating climate extremes and sustaining wheat production in the diverse agro-climatic conditions of Punjab.</p> J Singh B Biswas L K Dhaliwal Copyright (c) 2025 J Singh, B Biswas, L K Dhaliwal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.5785 Integrated disease management strategies for sustainable tomato cultivation in bacterial wilt-endemic region of Tamil Nadu https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/7316 <p>Bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, is a major threat for tomato farmers, especially in tropical areas. This study investigates the prevalence and management of bacterial wilt disease in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, over three growing seasons (2020–2023). The survey found the disease occurrence in Kinathukadavu, Madukarai and other blocks with severe incidence during the Rabi season. An Integrated Disease Management (IDM) approach, incorporating soil amendment, soil application of Bacillus subtilis, intercropping marigold and seedling root dipping of streptocycline and drenching with copper-based fungicides, was evaluated in field trials over three consecutive years. IDM treatment (T6) consistently resulted in the lowest disease incidence, ranging from 2.67 to 4.47 % and the highest yield (394.50-404.63 q/ha) and Benefit: Cost (B: C) ratio (3.91-3.63) over the study period, demonstrating its cost-effectiveness compared to other treatments. A strong negative correlation between wilt incidence and yield was observed, with IDM T6 yielding the best results. These findings suggest that Integrated Disease Management (IDM) is an effective and sustainable approach for managing bacterial wilt disease and improving tomato yield in affected regions.</p> R Sheneka K Angappan M Karthikeyan G Thiribhuvanamala S Karthikeyan K K Kumar Copyright (c) 2025 Sheneka R, Angappan K, Karthikeyan M, Thiribhuvanamala G, Karthikeyan S, Kumar K K https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-23 2025-02-23 12 1 10.14719/pst.7316 Assessment and analysis of plant vegetation under oil palm from 2000 and 2017 plantation https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3124 <p>Intensive use of chemicals in agricultural cultivation such as fertilizers and pesticides has caused a decline in plant diversity in agricultural ecosystems in recent decades. This study aims to determine the diversity of weeds and dominant weeds in oil palm plantations in the planting years 2000 and 2017. The research was carried out from January to June 2023 at the oil palm plantation PT Perkebunan Nasional III, Kebun Sei Putih, North Sumatra using the 1 m ? 1 m quadratic method. In oil palm stands in the 2000 planting year, the grass weed <em>Cirtococcum oxyphyllum</em> was found as the dominant weed with a high importance index and Summed Dominance Ratio (SDR), while in oil palm stands in the 2017 planting year, the broadleaf weed <em>Ageratum conyzoides</em> was found as the dominant weed. Species diversity (H') under oil palm stands in the 2000 planting year ranged between 0.67-1.61, which means that species diversity is low to moderate, and in 2017 planting year ranged between 1.34-1.64, which means that species diversity is moderate. The community coefficient value for both planting years was low, namely below 75 percent, which means that the weed community in both planting years was very diverse.</p> Asbur Yenni Purwaningrum Yayuk Kusbiantoro Dedi Nasution Khairunnisyah Hendrawan Dian Lubis Fiqi Alfisar Copyright (c) 2025 Asbur Yenni, Purwaningrum Yayuk, Kusbiantoro Dedi, Nasution Khairunnisyah, Hendrawan Dian, Lubis Fiqi Alfisar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-22 2025-02-22 12 1 10.14719/pst.3124 Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from endophytic fungus Colletotrichum sp. with special emphasis on antibacterial, antioxidant and plant growth promoting potential https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3787 <p>The creation of "microbial nanotechnology" for quick and large-scale manufacturing of nanoparticles would be possible with an effective biosynthesis method. <em>Plumbago zeylanica</em> L. is a medicinal plant from which the endophytic fungus <em>Colletotrichum</em> sp. was isolated and identified by 18S rDNA sequencing and microscopic studies. Cell filtrate of <em>Colletotrichum</em> sp. was employed to produce biological silver nanoparticles which acted as a reducing and stabilising agent during this process. The brown colour proved that silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are being produced. In characterization of AgNPs, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy revealed maximum absorption at 425 nm. From transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopic study the shape of the silver nanoparticle was found spherical with 10–30 nm diameters. The existence of elemental silver (peak) was verified by the silver signal in the energy-dispersive X?ray spectroscopy. Fourier-transform infrared analysis showed some major and minor shifts in the peaks of some chemical bonding. Synthesised AgNP had strong antibacterial action against pathogenic bacterial strains in 200 g/mL concentration and against <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> MTCC 741, it showed the highest inhibition. The AgNP concentration of 150 g/mL demonstrated the highest competency for antioxidant capabilities while ascorbic acid was used as the reference. Also, AgNP exhibited plant growth-promoting ability as in 40 mg/L concentration; it significantly enhanced the shoot and root growth, total soluble protein, sugar, and indole acetic acid content of<em> P. zeylanica </em>L. This AgNP can be useful in pharmaceutical industries and agriculture as nano fertilizers for all these purposes.</p> Roy Sanchali Mukherjee Biyas Parvin Nasrin Dutta Sikha Copyright (c) 2024 Roy Sanchali, Mukherjee Biyas, Parvin Nasrin, Dutta Sikha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.3787 Impact of land configuration methods on growth parameters of soybean in summer rice fallows https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4270 <p>A field experiment was performed to examine the impact of land configuration methods on various growth attributes of soybeans in summer rice fallows at the Instructional Farm, Vellayani. The experiment was conducted from February to May 2023 in a split plot design with three main plot treatments, viz., broadbed and furrow (BBF) (l1), ridge and furrow (RAF) (l2), and flatbed method (l3), and six varieties, viz., JS 9305 (v1), KDS 726 (v2), JS 2069 (v3), AISB 50 (v4), JS 335 (v5), and Basara (v6) as subplot treatments, replicated four times. The growth attributes were significantly influenced by land configuration methods where BBF recorded taller plants (14.98, 29.31, 39.06, 45.83 cm), highest leaf count (2.57, 4.73, 9.30, 11.07), superior leaf area index (LAI) (0.502, 1.495, 2.077, 3.898), and higher nodule fresh weight (0.850 g). However, the variety JS 2069 recorded taller plants (15.55, 30.47, 40.38, 47.95, 52.66 cm), highest leaf count (0.78, 2.07, 4.03, 4.95, 6.22), higher number of branches per plant (and superior LAI (0.534, 1.810, 2.471, 4.284) at all growth stages. Among the varieties tested, AISB 50 produced a higher nodule count of 41.88 (on par with JS 2069) and the highest nodule fresh weight (0.863). The study identified the BBF method as the most effective land configuration method and JS 2069 as the most suitable variety for soybean cultivation in summer rice fallows of Kerala.</p> Chinmaya Sahoo M Ameena P P Shalini V S Susha R Ayisha Ankit Shilpa Suraj Sharma Abhay Verma Copyright (c) 2024 Chinmaya Sahoo, M Ameena, P P Shalini , V S Susha, R Ayisha, Ankit , Shilpa, Suraj Sharma, Abhay Verma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.4270 Biodiversity and ethnobotanical significance of vascular plants in the ecological trail and reservation site of indigenous trees (ECOTRIS), Ifugao Province, Philippines https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5894 <p>This study examines the macrofloral diversity and ethnobotanical significance of the Ecological Trail and Reservation Site of Indigenous Trees (ECOTRIS) in Ifugao Province, Philippines. The site is compartmentalized into four distinct land-use areas: an arboretum of native trees, a bamboo plantation, a fern grove, and a grassland with patches of trees. Biodiversity assessments were conducted across three plots established near the water tributaries, revealing the highest diversity index in the midstream plot, attributed to its dense canopy structure. Biodiversity indices using the Shannon index showed that the sampling plot near the stream had the highest value (3.02). In contrast, sampling sites near the marginal land and bamboo plantation had values of 2.56 and 2.78, respectively. Similarity indices indicated that Plot 1 had the highest similarity attributed to the high presence of pioneering species dominating the canopy, while Plot 3 exhibited lower species. Species Importance Value (SIV) analysis highlighted the pioneering species, particularly Melanolepis multiglandulosa Merr. dominated the sampling area. The study documented 22 edible plant species and 35 ethnobotanically significant trees, underscoring local floras’ cultural and medicinal value. This research emphasizes the ecological and cultural importance of preserving indigenous species and highlights the need for sustainable management practices to mitigate human-induced disturbances in the region. The findings underscore the potential of ECOTRIS as a field gene bank, advocating for sustainable management and the integration of indigenous conservation practices to enhance its ecological value and heritage.</p> E D Bimmoy Copyright (c) 2025 E D Bimmoy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.5894 Sustainable utilization of humanure-based bio-product for Marigold (Tagetes erecta L) production in Tropical India https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6118 <p>Ecological sanitation converts human waste into safe compost, known as humanure, offering a sustainable solution for managing faecal matter. This approach not only recycles nutrients but also reduces environmental pollution. Enriched humanure was prepared by mixing humanure, biochar and human urine in ratios of 1:1:1 and 1:1:1.5 and the mixture was enriched for 30 days. The pH, electrical conductivity (EC), nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium content of the bioinputs (humanure, biochar, human urine) alone and the enriched humanure (1:1:1 and 1:1:1.5) were characterized. To test the efficacy of the enriched humanure, field trials were conducted during the winter and summer seasons in Vridhachalam on marigolds (Hybrid-Bens tall) using a randomized block design with 11 treatments in three replications. Treatments included bioinputs alone, unenriched and enriched humanure, 50% enriched humanure + 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), RDF + farm yard manure (FYM) and FYM alone. Fertilizers and manures were applied based on the crop s' nitrogen requirement of 90: 90:75 kg/ha. The results showed significantly higher plant growth, flower yield (27.0 to 27.5 t/ha) and flower quality were recorded in the application of enriched humanure in the ratio of 1:1:1 followed by 1:1:1.5 compared to all other bio-inputs treatments and the control. Enriched humanure (1:1:1) proved the most effective treatment for improving marigold growth and yield.</p> P Kavya P Jothimani M Maheswari N Thavaprakaash M Kavitha G Sridevi S G Patil Copyright (c) 2025 P Kavya, P Jothimani, M Maheswari, N Thavaprakaash, M Kavitha, G Sridevi, S G Patil https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-25 2025-01-25 12 1 10.14719/pst.6118 Role of nano fertilizers on improving drought tolerance of maize https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3987 <p>Maize is a versatile crop that is primarily used as human food and animal feed. It is also a fundamental raw material utilized in various industrial products owing to its nutritional value. One of the most harmful abiotic stresses in maize cultivation is drought. A water shortage caused by drought limits crop development and yield because there is less available moisture. Water shortage stress causes restricted stomatal opening, enhanced photorespiration and accelerated photoreduction of oxygen in the chloroplast. Eventually, this causes oxidative damage in maize owing to ROS accumulation. Plants respond to drought stress by producing the phytohormone abscisic acid, closing their stomata, changing gene expression and preserving their osmotic balance. Nano micro fertilizers are a phenomenal tool for drought tolerance when combined with deficit soil moisture in maize. When it is paired with deficit soil moisture, nano micro fertilizers are an incredible weapon for drought tolerance under changing climatic conditions. It aids in keeping maize's green characteristics. The greater advantages of using nano micro fertilizers in maize are retention of chlorophyll, regulation of stomatal openings, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, the proliferation of roots and higher grain filling, which resulted in higher productivity. The development of stay-green character and drought resistance in maize is positively influenced by nano micro fertilizer with suitable form and dose. Under drought conditions, nanomicronutrients play a critical role in controlling physiological processes, reducing oxidative stress and preserving cellular homeostasis. Additionally, every micronutrient acts differently and produces a different physiological response related to drought tolerance.</p> Sonam Vaishnavi Perumal Kathirvelan V Manivannan M Djanaguiraman S Thiyageshwari Copyright (c) 2024 Sonam Vaishnavi, Kathirvelan Perumal, V Manivannan, M Djanaguiraman, S Thiyageshwari https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-21 2025-01-21 12 1 10.14719/pst.3987 A systematic literature review of cloud kitchen https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6016 <p>The concept of cloud kitchens, or ghost kitchens, has emerged as a transformative trend in the food service industry, offering an economical and efficient model that eliminates the need for physical dining spaces and focuses solely on delivery and takeout. This approach provides several advantages, including reduced overhead costs, operational efficiency, scalability and expanded market reach through virtual platforms. However, market saturation, building brand visibility and maintaining food quality remain significant hurdles. Future trends may involve multi-brand operations within a single kitchen, advanced technology integration, eco-friendly practices and suburban and rural areas expansion. By addressing these challenges, ghost kitchens can capitalise on their innovative potential to reshape the food service landscape.</p> P Harini A Rohini S Selvanayaki M Prahadeeswaran R P Selvi C Shokila Copyright (c) 2025 Harini P, A Rohini, S Selvanayaki, M Prahadeeswaran, R Pangayar Selvi, Shokila C https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.6016 Adaptive mechanism of submergence tolerance by Sub1 A https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4632 <p>Among the various abiotic stresses affecting the growth, development, and yield of rice, submergence caused by continuous flooding without adequate drainage poses a significant threat. This stress is particularly detrimental in lowland areas with poor drainage, often near coastal regions, where excessive rainfall leads to prolonged waterlogging. Continuous waterlogging during germination severely impacts the germination of directly seeded rice crops, while seedling establishment suffers post-transplantation due to seedling decay and mortality. Submergence tolerance is an adaptive physiological and biochemical mechanism that has evolved in indica rice, enabling the plant to cope with the effects of anaerobic conditions caused by prolonged submergence. The putative progenitor <em>Oryza rufipogon</em> is well adapted to marshy environments. This study discusses the mechanisms of introgression of anaerobic germination and submergence tolerance from <em>O. rufipogon</em> through molecular analysis of genomic regions. It also explains the physiological and biochemical mechanisms that influence anaerobic germination and submergence tolerance. Lowland areas characterized by flooding due to excessive rainfall and inadequate drainage, particularly near coastal regions, require anaerobic germination and submergence tolerance for rice cultivation. Identifying new sources of submergence tolerance beyond the <em>Sub1</em> gene, followed by genomic structural characterization for the development of pre-breeding genetic sources, is essential. Additionally, well-characterized quantitative trait loci (<em>QTLs</em>) and genes that confer submergence tolerance need to be transferred precisely.</p> S Suwetha R P Gnanamalar S Elamathi P C N Mary R Arulmozhi M Dhandapani K Subrahmaniyan A Shanmugam R Pushpa Copyright (c) 2024 S Suwetha, RP Gnanamalar, S Elamathi, PCN Mary, R Arulmozhi, M Dhandapani, K Subrahmaniyan, A Shanmugam, R Pushpa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-12 2025-01-12 12 1 10.14719/pst.4632 A comprehensive review on impact of climatic change on adaptability and mitigation in fruit crop https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6043 <p>Global warming and climate change are among the most pressing challenges confronting humanity in the 21st century. Climate change will result in rising temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns and an increased occurrence of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, cold spells, frost days, droughts and floods. The effects of climate change have recently become more evident, with rising temperatures, altered and irregular precipitation patterns and increased extreme weather events. These changes are directly impacting the maturity and development of fruit crops. Heat stress during flowering and fruit set can greatly reduce fruit production, while irregular rainfall may disrupt pollination and heighten the risk of pests and diseases. Furthermore, increased carbon dioxide levels can influence the quality characteristics of fruits. To maintain the ongoing production and sustainability of fruit crops, it is vital to enhance resilience. Focusing on developing new varieties that offer higher yield potential and resistance to various stresses, such as drought, flooding and salinity, is crucial for sustaining crop yields. Additionally, breeding programs should aim to enhance the germplasm of key tropical and subtropical fruit crops to improve heat stress tolerance. Recent advancements in genetic editing technologies present substantial opportunities for the agricultural sector, especially in enhancing fruit crop traits. These innovations can be precisely tailored to meet consumer preferences, which is crucial for driving commercial success. In this review, we strive to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of this important topic, along with recommendations for future research.</p> R V Sundarrajan J Rajangam S Saraswathy M Gnanasekaran S Rajesh T Anitha S Muthuramalingam C Sankar Copyright (c) 2025 R V Sundarrajan, J Rajangam, S Saraswathy, M Gnanasekaran, S Rajesh, T Anitha, S Muthuramalingam, C Sankar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.6043 A review on way towards mechanized castor cultivation https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5514 <p>Castor (<em>Ricinus communis</em> L.) is an important non edible oil seed crop which is known for its oil content (48–60 percent) and it accounts for 0.15% of the global production of vegetable oil. In recent years, farmers have preferred castor cultivation due to its suitability for both rainfed and irrigated conditions. But the farmers face many challenges, which includes labour scarcity, pest incidence, high input and labour costs, inadequate market information, etc. Due to a significant labour shortage, the area under this crop is gradually decreasing. The high reliance on human labour which leads to the incompletion of various agronomic operations on time. In these circumstances, the cultivation of castor by adopting various mechanization techniques for critical operations such as field preparation, sowing, fertilizer application, weeding, irrigation, crop protection measures and harvesting will be the solution for getting higher productivity and profitability by spending minimum expenses. Adapting mechanization is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals by enhancing production through timely farm operations, minimizing losses and reducing operational costs through efficient management of expensive inputs.</p> R Gowsalya S K Natarajan T Ragavan S R Venkatachalam S Thambidurai Copyright (c) 2025 R Gowsalya , S K Natarajan, T Ragavan, S R Venkatachalam, S Thambidurai https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-07 2025-02-07 12 1 10.14719/pst.5514 A comprehensive review of farmers producer organizations in India: Historical evolution, current status and future policy challenges https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5831 <p>Agriculture plays an important role in India but faces various challenges. A large number of farmers in India have small and marginal holdings of less than two hectares, which is linked to the increasing fragmentation of land. Many institutional policies aim to improve the farmer’s livelihoods to mitigate the disadvantages of land fragmentation. These measures include the formation of Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society (PACS), Self-Help Group (SHG), Joint Liability Group (JLG) and Common Interest Group (CIG). However, there are limitations to these initiatives, as they often provide considerably more managerial control and influence to local powerful individual. In response, Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) have emerged as pivotal entities aimed at integrating smallholders into mainstream markets. India has over 10,000 FPOs, benefiting 4 million farmers and increasing income by 20-25%. But 70% face sustainability challenges. Policy initiatives, such as NABARD’s Rs.6,865 crore schemes, an aim to address these issues. This paper considered the Scopus database using the Boolean keyword "Farmer" AND "Producer organization" and identified articles were shortlisted after screening using PRISMA framework. While previous studies have offered insights into various aspects of FPOs, there remains a significant lack of cohesive analysis integrating historical trends, current challenges and future policy directions. This study identifies key factors influencing FPO system, including governance mechanisms, market linkages and capacity-building initiatives. The review highlights current challenges and opportunities within the FPO system, suggesting policy recommendations for future development. The findings offer valuable insights into the transformative potential of FPOs and inform strategic policy recommendations to ensure their sustainability in India's agricultural sector.</p> A Yazhini A Malaisamy S P Rani K Ramakrishnan K Prabakaran P Arunachalam Copyright (c) 2025 A Yazhini, A Malaisamy, S P Rani, K Ramakrishnan, K Prabakaran, P Arunachalam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-07 2025-02-07 12 1 10.14719/pst.5831 Exploring root system architecture and its importance in solanaceous vegetables: A review https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4878 <p>The root system architecture (RSA) in solanaceous vegetables has become an exciting area of research, uncovering complex networks essential for plant development, nutrient absorption, and resistance. This review delves into the comprehensive scope of research surrounding roots, shedding light on their dynamic nature and implications for agricultural practices. The Solanaceae family comprises of various vegetables, including tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants, each with distinct root systems. Innovative methodologies have uncovered the complex and adaptive nature of these root systems. Roots of solanaceous vegetables have plasticity, reflecting their capacity to adjust to soil conditions, nutrient availability, and stressors. From the taproot structures in potatoes to the fibrous nature of tomato roots, this review synthesizes findings to elucidate the mechanisms behind root development and responses to environmental stimuli. Furthermore, the symbiotic associations between solanaceous crop roots and soil microorganisms have attracted significant interest. Understanding the intricate interactions between root exudates, microbial communities, and nutrient cycling opens avenues for sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the role of root architecture in fostering beneficial soil ecosystems. The implications of many research studies on RSA extend beyond academic interest and play a role in improving crop productivity. Understanding root system architecture enables breeders and agronomists to create cultivars with superior root characteristics, hence enhancing crop output, water-use efficiency, and resilience to abiotic challenges. Nonetheless, certain gaps persist, requiring additional investigation. A deeper investigation into the molecular mechanisms governing root development in solanaceous vegetables, particularly under changing climate scenarios is important for future research.</p> K Indhumathi M Sangeetha K R Saravanan M Deivamani M A Vennila K Sivakumar Copyright (c) 2024 K Indhumathi, M Sangeetha, KR Saravanan, M Deivamani, MA Vennila, K Sivakumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.4878 Biostimulants: Mitigation strategy for salinity stress in fruit crops https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3273 <p style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;">The burgeoning specter of abiotic stresses caused by global climate change, including drought, salt, extremely high temperatures, heavy metals and UV radiation, has rendered fragile agroecosystems increasingly precarious. This has reduced the production and quality of fruit crops. The burden on plants might be even worse if several stressors occur at once. </span><span lang="EN-US">These multifarious stressors have led to a 70 % reduction in annual agricultural production globally, sparking <span style="color: black;">the embers of food scarcity and stoking the fires of hunger within our ever-expanding populace. However, within this seemingly hopeless situation, a number of alternatives have surfaced as a glimmer of light.</span> Biostimulants, derived from natural or organic sources, enhance plant development and resilience by enhancing their capacity to absorb nutrients, withstand stress and sustain overall health.<span style="color: black;"> The exogenous application of biostimulants on an organic basis has emerged as a powerful treatment for certain of them, promoting plant growth and production in the face of adversity. These biostimulants work across a wide range of pathways, composing a symphony of resistance to stress-related difficulties. Only a few papers have provided information on plant biostimulants’ impacts on fruit quality, which is connected to appearance, chemical composition and physical characteristics.</span> The objective of this review is to assess the efficacy of externally applied organic biostimulants in improving plant growth and productivity, especially in challenging environments. These biostimulants enhance plant resilience, nutrient absorption and overall health, providing a sustainable solution to agricultural difficulties.<span style="color: black;"> They also have a sustainable appeal since they are organic, satisfying the desire of customers who are concerned about the advantages of eating healthier food. </span></span></p> Maanik Reetika Sharma Rakesh Kumar Parshant Bakshi Nikhil Thakur Neetu Sharma Peeyush Sharma Vishal Raina Copyright (c) 2024 Maanik, Reetika Sharma, Rakesh Kumar, Parshant Bakshi, Nikhil Thakur, Neetu Sharma, Peeyush Sharma, Vishal Raina https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.3273 Trillium govanianum (Nagchattri): A promising rare and commercially important medicinal herb from higher altitudes of the Himalayas https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4325 <p>Secondary metabolites and bioactive compounds derived from naturally occurring sources have been the prime ingredients in modern health care as well as ancient medicine systems like Ayurveda, Yunani, and traditional folk medicines. A large number of plant species and their extracts are utilized to cure several human ailments. Trillium govanianum, belonging to the genus Trillium (family: Melanthiaceae alt. Trilliaceae), is a traditional medicinal herb of the Himalayan region used to cure joint pains, wounds, boils, dysentery, inflammation, menstrual and sexual disorders. T. govanianum root extracts have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, cancer-preventing, anti-fungal, and wound-healing activities. The main bioactive compounds present in this species are steroidal saponins. Indiscriminate and commercial harvesting in an unsustainable manner, along with various other biotic pressures, have created a synergistically severe menace toward the subsistence of T. govanianum in its natural habitat. Population assessment, conservative and in vitro proliferation methods pertaining to mass multiplication and advancement in ex–situ and in–situ environments are required for sustainable use of this species. In lieu of the significance of this herb, the present study aims at the exploration of phytochemical, ethnomedicinal, ecological, pharmacological, and conservational practices of T. govanianum for a better understanding of medicinal activities and sustainable use of this plant. This review summarised the potential resources of T. govaninanum in terms of biologically active compounds and their dependence on the local population. It focuses on the medicinal utility of T. govaninanum in different diseases and ailments.</p> R Gupta N Sharma H Sood Copyright (c) 2025 R Gupta, N Sharma, H Sood https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-12 2025-01-12 12 1 10.14719/pst.4325 Chemical constituents and pharmacological potential of Gmelina arborea Roxb. (Lamiaceae): A review https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3336 <p>Gmelina arborea Roxb. has been widely used in traditional medicine and is considered a vital component of Brihatpanchamoolya. It is also commonly used in modern medicine due to its rich content of phytochemicals. The primary consitutents include lignans, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides and other bioactive compounds. Notably, the roots of Gmelina arborea contain glycosides, particulary flavone glycosides such as apigenin-7-rutinoside, luteolin-7-glucuronide, sitosterol, quercetin and apigenin. The leaves are rich in iridoid glycosides, flavonoids and sterols. The stem contains several lignans, including gmelanone, iso-arboreal, paulownin and gmelinol. Additionally, the flower contains verbascoside, a compound belonging to the class of iridoid glycosides. This species has diverse pharmaceutical applications, including anti-inflammatory properties. It also exhibits a wide range of beneficial effects, such as antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anticancer, neuroprotective, anti-tumour, cardioprotective, anticonvulsant and antihyperlipidemic activities. This study aims to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern research by examining the pharmacological and phytochemical properties of G. arborea. A comprehensive review was conducted using well-known academic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct. The findings were summarized and documented using bibliographic information, which may pay the way for future researcher in this area.</p> Soubhik Bhattacharyya Kunal Datta Priyabati Choudhury Dhrubajyoti Sarkar Copyright (c) 2024 Soubhik Bhattacharyya , Kunal Datta, Priyabati Choudhury, Dhrubajyoti Sarkar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.3336 Health, food security and livelihood diversification in rural Odisha: A review https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3507 <p>Shifting the livelihood is a genuine reason for maintaining family and grasping opportunity for the sake of development. In rural areas, the cause is intended for the ambition/hope of getting good remuneration which helps to revive the condition of health as well as diet. Due to the livelihood of rural people being mainly agriculture, the diversification of farmers from farming to other livelihoods warns us to be cautious and take necessary steps towards sustainability. This review study was meant to find out the reasons and challenges behind livelihood diversification and its impact on health and food security through a thorough observation of earlier research. After encountering the findings, the positive impacts of the OFFDI and Odisha Reform Programme are appreciated and those plans of work could be suggested to the developmental sectors whether there is a requirement for policy modification and close supervision of the administration of PDS. Nutritional status, health condition, as well as accessibility to medical facilities, are yet far behind the national average and seek more focus. Joint initiatives by the public and government, are suggested for fruitful inclusion of schemes along with health and food security. The goal of promoting climate-smart agriculture is to help primitive people become self-sufficient in terms of food security by producing food grains under difficult agroclimatic conditions at high altitudes. More no. of projects having development aspects can be proposed by NGOs which in turn will help in the reduction of diversification of livelihoods.</p> D S Rout A Deb P Bhadra A Nandy Copyright (c) 2025 Dwity Sundar Rout, Atanu Deb, Preetha Bhadra, Avisweta Nandy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-25 2025-02-25 12 1 10.14719/pst.3507 Weeds in agricultural and non-agricultural systems: Media influence, impacts and trends for a better systematic control against alternate and collateral hosts of crop pests https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4187 <p>Weeds significantly impact agricultural productivity and environmental health by competing with crops for resources and acting as alternate hosts for pests. This study uniquely combines an ecological inventory with quantitative assessments to address weeds’ role in various ecosystems, including agricultural and non-agricultural areas such as roadsides and industrial sites. Methods included field surveys, species identification, and indices like informant consensus factor (ICF) and use value (UV) to measure weed prevalence, competition and adaptability. Results highlight that species like Cyperus rotundus and Echinochloa spp. pose substantial threats, causing up to 70% yield loss in specific regions, particularly in tropical irrigated crops. Additionally, weeds cause water loss, soil depletion, and habitat disruption in non-agricultural zones. This study emphasizes the need for integrated control strategies, combining cultural, mechanical, and chemical approaches. Media influence is also discussed, stressing its role in public perception and policy development for sustainable weed management. This work provides novel insights for enhancing agricultural resilience and environmental sustainability through improved weed control.</p> A A Kasonta S S Thakur Shaifali B Shukuru Copyright (c) 2025 A A Kasonta, S S Thakur, Shaifali, B Shukuru https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-30 2025-01-30 12 1 10.14719/pst.4187 Nano-technology as an eco-friendly approach in agriculture https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3027 <p>Global food security is now the most challenging issue due to the limited natural resources, low productivity of food crops in the agricultural sector, rapid climate changes and huge population growth. Researchers are trying to adopt newer innovations and technologies to increase the production of food crops to meet the demand. Nanotechnology is one of the most challenging technologies that could enhance the productivity of crops in sustainable agriculture, giving importance to nano-fertilizers, nano-pesticides, nano-biosensors and nano-material-based remediation strategies. The physical and chemical processes to produce nanoparticles (NP) have a detrimental effect on the ecosystem. Thus, green synthesis of NPs using various microorganisms offers a more promising and sustainable alternative. Nanotechnology is very promising as it has many potential benefits like improvement of food quality, minimization of agricultural inputs and enrichment of plants by absorbing nutrients from the soil. Nanoparticles can be used as nanofertilizers, distinct agrochemical carriers and site-targeted or regulated nutrition delivery with improved crop protection. The potential of nanomaterials offers a new green revolution in sustainable agriculture.</p> Barnali Roy Amit Kumar Pal Copyright (c) 2024 Barnali Roy, Amit Kumar Pal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.3027 Adapting cucurbits to diverse environments: Insights from GEI studies https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4792 <p class="Abstract" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; margin: 5.65pt -.3pt 5.65pt 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Recently, there has been increasing concern about crop failures and yield gaps attributed to climate change, as certain genotypes fail to achieve the desired yields or quality due to variations in external temperatures. To address this issue, breeders are working to develop climate-resilient varieties by incorporating relevant genes into cultivars or genotypes or by utilizing desirable source plants in the breeding process. Additionally, management practices are being implemented to mitigate environmental impacts. Multi-environmental trials (METs) are commonly employed by breeders to assess the adaptability of specific genotypes or cultivars across different locations and time periods. The data collected from these trials is then analyzed using stability statistical models designed for stability analysis, which allows for the evaluation of cultivar or genotype performance under varied environmental conditions. Over the past six decades, there has been a significant focus on modeling genotype-environment interactions (GEI), leading to the development of various mathematical methods and models to decipher GEI in METs, often referred to as "stability analyses." In the era of omics, phenomics techniques have emerged as valuable tools for screening morphological and physiological variations in genotypes resulting from environmental factors. This review emphasizes the importance of GEI in cucurbits, highlighting how environmental stress can alter physiological traits such as stomatal conductance, single leaf area, rooting depth, and membrane composition. Furthermore, it notes the accumulation of stress-related proteins under stress conditions, underscoring the significance of understanding GEI for effective crop management and breeding programs.</span></p> B Madhumetha H Usha Nandhini Devi N Premalatha A Sankari P Geetha Copyright (c) 2024 B Madhumetha, UNH Devi, N Premalatha, A Sankari, P Geetha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-21 2025-01-21 12 1 10.14719/pst.4792 Traditional insights into ITK and its delineation for sustainable crop protection https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6110 <p>The challenge of producing sufficient food to feed the growing population is aggravated by pests and diseases, with insect pests alone causing 15-20 percent losses in food production. Despite the availability of numerous synthetic and conventional pesticides, traditional practices, known as Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK), have been utilized by farmers for generations and have been adequate to date. These practices are deeply rooted in local culture and are environmentally safe. ITKs are a wealth of agricultural wisdom intertwined with religious and cultural beliefs that have significantly contributed to plant protection. It considers the interconnectedness of all living beings and the natural environment. In the context of the current scenario, it is essential to preserve and safeguard these traditional practices. Numerous government centres and policies are dedicated to this goal, recognizing the importance of documenting ITK for future use. Although ITKs were initially practiced without scientific validation, modern research has characterized and supported many of these methods. This review emphasizes the significance of Indigenous Technical Knowledge, the support systems in place and the necessity of detailed documentation and scientific characterization of ITK in use. By focusing on preserving and validating ITKs, we can reduce reliance on harmful chemical pesticides, promote sustainable agricultural practices and ensure food safety and security. </p> A S Prinila G Ravi G Preetha R Anandham Manjunatha C Copyright (c) 2025 A S Prinila, G Ravi, G Preetha, R Anandham, Manjunatha C https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-21 2025-01-21 12 1 10.14719/pst.6110 Impact of silicon fertilization on crop growth, productivity and nutrients enhancement in rice: A review https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4287 <p>Silicon (Si), constituting around 27.7 % of the Earth's crust by weight, is the second most abundant element after oxygen (47 %). While not considered essential, silicon is beneficial for crop growth, especially for Poaceae family crops. Intensive cultivation or continuous mono-cropping of cereals like rice depletes soil silicon levels, which may lead to decreased rice yields. Rice can absorb and accumulate silicon metabolically, a trait not common in many upland crops. Beyond boosting rice yields, silicon offers multiple benefits, such as enhancing nutrient availability (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn), reducing nutrient toxicity (Fe, Mn, P, Al) and mitigating biotic and abiotic stress in rice. Sufficient silicon also stabilizes rice plant culms, reducing lodging risks. Thus, silicon is crucial for plant growth and improving rice productivity at the agronomic level. This review focuses on the relationship between silicon and rice crops, their interactions with other elements and strategies for managing silicon in soils and plants to sustain rice productivity.</p> M S Joy S Neetu K Rakesh C Lalrammawii D Nihal S Hritik F Faraaz M Swati Copyright (c) 2024 M S Joy, S Neetu, K Rakesh, C Lalrammawii, D Nihal, S Hritik, F Faraaz, M Swati https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.4287 Advancements and future prospects in micropropagation techniques for major palm species: Date palm, oil palm, arecanut, and coconut https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6278 <p>Palms are widely distributed across warm temperate, tropical, and subtropical regions, showcasing their ecological significance and adaptability to diverse environments. Classification schemes play a crucial role in organizing the vast diversity of palms and provide valuable insights into their evolutionary adaptations. These frameworks enhance our understanding of key species such as date palms, oil palms, and coconuts. Micropropagated palm seedlings are economically essential for global palm industries of food, biofuel, and cosmetics, because they ensure consistent growth, increased yield, and disease resistance. Clonal propagation of superior cultivars is made possible by this technique, maximizing land utilization and increasing yield per hectare. Micropropagated seedlings support large-scale commercial plantations and promote sustainable agriculture in response to the growing demand for palm-derived products worldwide. Furthermore, governments and research- driven initiatives are fostering the adoption of tissue culture methods to meet market needs. To facilitate large-scale propagation, micropropagation techniques have been developed for palms, such as date palms, oil palms, coconuts, and arecanuts. These techniques produce consistent, disease-free planting materials through tissue culture. However, despite their potential, tissue culture techniques face challenges, including low effectiveness, high rates of contamination, and scaling limitations, particularly due to the recalcitrant nature of palm tissues to in vitro conditions. Improvement in tissue culture methods can support sustainable agriculture, drive economic growth, and conserve biodiversity. By enhancing propagation techniques, tissue culture has the potential to address global issues such as environmental sustainability and food security. To fully realize the potential of palms and ensure their continued use in industry and agriculture, further research and development in palm micropropagation are essential.</p> P keerthana R Renuka B N Manikanda V Rajasree J Suresh S Rajesh Copyright (c) 2025 P keerthana, R Renuka, B N Manikanda, V Rajasree, J Suresh, S Rajesh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-30 2025-01-30 12 1 10.14719/pst.6278 Thidiazuron as a defoliant to facilitate mechanical harvesting in cotton: A comprehensive review https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4776 <p>Cotton is primarily cultivated for its commercial fiber, which plays a significant role in India’s agro-industrial sector. It is one of the primary raw materials for producing feed, oil, fiber, and biofuel. Currently, farmers in India widely employ machine harvesters to harvest cotton. However, excessive leaf vegetation poses challenges in boll picking, adversely affecting fiber quality and reducing mechanical harvesting efficiency. Various chemical defoliants are applied to remove leaves before harvesting to address this issue. These defoliants promote leaf shedding, minimize debris in the cotton, and enhance boll opening and picking efficiency. Thidiazuron is a potent hormonal defoliant used in cotton to induce defoliation by increasing ethylene production while inhibiting the synthesis and transport of auxins. Notably, it interferes with the crosstalk between the phytohormones, such as cytokinin and ethylene, which regulates cotton defoliation. The method and timing of defoliant application are crucial for improving cotton harvesting efficiency. This review aims to provide a clear understanding of thidiazuron’s application in synchronizing harvests, ultimately supporting the mechanization of cotton harvesting.</p> R Rajasekar V Ravichandran A Senthil A Subramanian K Thirukumaran R Jagadeeswaran S Somasundaram S Anandakumar Copyright (c) 2025 R Rajasekar, V Ravichandran, A Senthil, A Subramanian, K Thirukumaran , R Jagadeeswaran, S Somasundaram, S Anandakumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-25 2025-01-25 12 1 10.14719/pst.4776 Abiotic stress responses in pulses: Impact of drought and high temperature https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3784 <p>Pulses, a vital food crop in India, play a significant role in nutritional security and agriculture. Despite India's prominence in global pulse production, achieving self-sufficiency in pulse production is challenged by escalating drought and rising temperatures. This review examines the responses of pulse crops to drought and high temperatures, highlighting vulnerabilities that affect seed germination, growth, biomass and reproductive traits. Drought and heat stress adversely impact seed germination, vigor and biomass accumulation while altering root and shoot characteristics. Physiological responses, including changes in photosynthesis, nutrient absorption and oxidative damage are explored alongside the implications for root nodule development under water stress. Recent molecular studies identify specific genes and proteins linked to heat tolerance in various legumes, such as green gram, wild creole bean and chickpea. The roles of microRNAs and transcription factors in modulating heat stress responses are emphasized. Additionally, heat stress-induced differential gene expression in cowpea nodules and soybeans impacts flowering pathways and key regulatory genes. Understanding these complex interactions between environmental stressors and pulse crop physiology is crucial for developing resilient varieties and sustainable agricultural practices amid climate change-induced challenges. Future research should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of drought and heat tolerance, particularly stress-responsive genes, transcription factors and microRNAs. Advances in gene editing and genomics will aid in creating resilient pulse varieties, while comparative studies can refine breeding strategies to enhance drought and heat tolerance, ultimately supporting sustainable pulse production.</p> A Rajmohan V Babu Rajendra Prasad A Senthil N Manivannan L Arul A Sumathi Copyright (c) 2024 A Rajmohan, V Babu Rajendra Prasad, A Senthil, N Manivannan, L Arul, A Sumathi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.3784 Nanobiosensors for early detection of plant pathogens https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4285 <p>Plant pathogens are a major concern in production of crops as they lead to a great loss of food grains. Although several methods are available to manage the diseases and the chemical-based methods are frequently used, and sometimes indiscriminate use poses serious problems to the environment. It is, therefore, necessary to detect plant pathogens at an early stage in order to control epidemics. Plant pathogens can be detected using conventional methods such as culture-dependent, biochemical and molecular techniques; however, these methods need advanced technical skills and well-equipped laboratory facilities and are not suitable for in situ analysis. Several nanotechnology-based methods are available for plant pathogen detection. Among them, biosensing systems for early detection of the pathogen using nanobiosensor are gaining momentum in field of research on plant pathogen detection. Materials having size ranging from one and one hundred nanometers are known as nanoparticles. These materials have special qualities that can be used to improve agricultural practices. Nanobiosensors are novel integrated systems of biosensors that are made up of a bioreceptor, transducer and a detector on the nano scale size. These nano-inspired biosensors have played a major role in enhancing nature of life through different medical, environmental and quality-control applications globally. Numerous nanobiosensors have been developed, including those for detecting plant infections caused by fungi, viruses, and bacteria. This review will contribute to understanding the basics of biosensors and their accessible biosensor based detecting tools and techniques for plant pathogens.</p> J N Vandana P T Sharavanan I Johnson R Anandham K Raja G Karthikeyan K Angappan M Vaithiyalingan Copyright (c) 2024 J N Vandana , P T Sharavanan, I Johnson, R Anandham, K Raja, G Karthikeyan, K Angappan, M Vaithiyalingan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.4285 Genomic insights into maize: Advanced techniques for analysing diversity and enhancing crop traits https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4011 <p>Maize is the third important staple food crop grown globally. The demand for maize production has increased significantly due to its multiple uses, including food, feed and various industrial applications. As a result, the area under maize cultivation is expanding, driven by its lucrative market price. Being a highly adaptive crop, the development of high-yielding hybrids better suited to climate change will help bridge the gap between demand and supply. Maize is an allogamous crop, exhibiting greater genetic diversity compared to autogamous crops. Therefore, intensified exploration of maize genetic diversity and effective utilization of germplasm will enhance the maize breeding programs. However, the domestication of maize has led to a decline in genetic diversity and the loss of valuable alleles. Human selection has significantly altered the morphology of maize from its wild ancestor. CIMMYT currently maintains around 28000 maize accessions, including landraces and wild relatives. Genetic diversity can be analysed using D2 statistics and clustering methods, employing morphological, molecular, quantitative and qualitative data. Careful consideration is needed when selecting appropriate methods and software for such analyses based on available data. In recent years, SSR markers and SNPs have gained popularity for diversity analysis. Studying genetic diversity in maize is crucial for identifying novel traits and the introgression of these traits into new hybrids using advanced technology requires further attention.</p> S Sneha K R V Sathya Sheela R Ravikesavan T Selvakumar V Babu Rajendera Prasad Copyright (c) 2024 S Sneha, K R V Sathya Sheela, R Ravikesavan, T Selvakumar, V Babu Rajendera Prasad https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.4011 Pulse crops as effective living mulches: An eco-conscious weed management approach https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4946 <p>The evolution of weed management strategies from basic cultural techniques to novel, integrated approaches reflects technological advancements that promise further improvements in weed management strategies, fostering more efficient and eco-friendly farming practices. Using legume crops as living mulches for weed suppression has gained considerable attention in agricultural systems. This method involves strategically planting leguminous cover crops as intercrops to inhibit weed growth and improve soil health, potentially boosting crop yields through reduced weed pressure and enhanced nutrient availability. The successful implementation of living mulches requires careful selection of crop species, optimal planting density, and appropriate management practices. Choosing compatible legumes, optimizing planting geometry and employing suitable termination methods are essential for maximizing the weed-suppressing and soil-enhancing benefits of living mulches. The efficacy of intercropping systems in controlling weeds largely depends on intercrop components' growth rate and duration. Weed management strategies rely on understanding plant interactions, including the competitive ability of main crops at various growth stages to inhibit weed expansion. While intercropping shows promise for enhancing crop dominance over weeds, weed control efficiency varies among different intercrops due to factors affecting the intercrop-weed relationship. Smallholder farmers find this practice appealing for improving labour productivity and land use through intensification and resource utilization for maximum yield. Research on developing genotypes suitable for weed suppression and studies on combined herbicide applications and optimal dosage determination for effective control of mixed weed flora is necessary. The shift towards integrating pulse crops as a cornerstone in weed management strategies presents a promising avenue for research and application. The comparative analysis underscored in this review showcases the capacity of legumes to offer a viable alternative to synthetic herbicides and mechanical controls, paving the way for their increased adoption in diverse farming systems.</p> D Rajakumar KG Sabarinathan M Gomathy J Ejilane K Ananthi P Vasantharaj Copyright (c) 2024 D Rajakumar, KG Sabarinathan, M Gomathy, J Ejilane, K Ananthi, P Vasantharaj https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.4946 Bacterial community present in the earthworm’s gut and its role in soil biology and health https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3356 <p>Earthworms are known as ecological engineers due to their significant role in enhancing soil health and productivity. Various factors such as temperature, moisture, acidity, pH, sunlight and the availability of organic matter influence their presence in soil. Earthworms exhibit diverse feeding and burrowing behaviors, which lead to crucial ecological processes within terrestrial ecosystems. Their interactions with soil result in the colonization of their gut and surrounding soil by diverse bacterial communities, including key species such as <em>Escherichia coli</em>, <em>Streptomyces</em>, <em>Bacillus</em> and <em>Pseudomonas</em>. These bacteria aid in the digestion of organic and inorganic matter, thereby altering soil physio-chemical properties and enhancing nutrient mineralization, which promotes plant growth. Additionally, earthworms influence nutrient cycling by modifying microbial soil populations and the bacterial communities in their gut and adjacent soil contribute to phytoremediation. This review delves into the types of bacterial populations found in the earthworm’s gut and surrounding soil, elucidating their specific roles and contributions to the terrestrial ecosystem. By understanding these complex interactions, we can better appreciate the vital role earthworms and their associated bacterial communities play in soil biology. This knowledge is essential for developing sustainable agricultural practices and improving soil management strategies, ultimately contributing to healthier and more productive ecosystems.</p> K. Gurava Reddy Tadela Susmitha Gurumurthy P Shanti Devi Bamboriya Jitendra Singh Bamboriya Rupesh Tirunagari Sunil Kumar Medida Sharvan Kumar Yadav G Krishna Reddy Aishwarya Sharma Shanti Kumar Sharma Biswajit Pramanick B.S. Sai Siddartha Naik Vineet Kumar Ruchi Sangal Sanjay Chauhan Shailja Kumari Copyright (c) 2024 Aishwarya Sharma, Shailja Kumari, Sanjay Chauhan, Ruchi Sangal, Vineet Kumar, B.S. Sai Siddartha Naik, Biswajit Pramanick, Shanti Kumar Sharma, K. Gurava Reddy, G Krishna Reddy, Sharvan Kumar Yadav, Sunil Kumar Medida, Rupesh Tirunagari, Jitendra Singh Bamboriya, Shanti Devi Bamboriya, Gurumurthy P, Tadela Susmitha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.3356 Eternal wellness: Anti-aging herbs of the Sikkim Himalayas https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4194 <p>This review paper delves into the anti-aging potential of herbs from the Sikkim Himalayas, highlighting their significance in promoting overall wellbeing. Through a comprehensive literature review and targeted searches, we identified and analyzed fifteen prominent anti-aging herbs, such as Rhodiola rosea, Curcuma longa, and Cordyceps sinensis. Given the projected growth of the global anti-aging market to US$71.6 billion in 2023, there is an increasing demand for natural, plant-based solutions. Our findings emphasize the practical applications of these herbs, discussing methods for integrating them into daily life and their potential health benefits. The review also notes that roots were the most commonly utilized plant part, followed by leaves. In terms of family distribution, the Zingiberaceae and Fabaceae families each accounted for 13% of the identified herbs. This study underscores the importance of further exploration into the medicinal and antiaging properties of Sikkim’s herbal flora, offering insights for future research and the development of natural health products aimed at fostering longevity and wellness.</p> A Adhikari A Neopaney C N Bhutia A Pradhan S Bhutia Copyright (c) 2025 A Adhikari, A Neopaney, C N Bhutia, A Pradhan, S Bhutia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-25 2025-01-25 12 1 10.14719/pst.4194 Viral diseases in Vigna species - Impacts, management opportunities and future perspectives: A review https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4756 <p>Pulses are the second-largest class of food crops worldwide, with around 1.58<br />million hectares under cultivation. represent. They are also excellent sources<br />of protein. The major cultivated Vigna species in India include Blackgram<br />[Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper], Greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek], Cowpea<br />[Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], Moth bean [Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Maréchal]<br />and Adzuki bean [Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi &amp; H. Ohashi]. However, the<br />yield of these crops is significantly reduced by viral diseases caused by a<br />diverse range of viral strains. Notable viral diseases affecting Vigna species<br />include yellow mosaic, cowpea severe mosaic, cowpea yellow mosaic,<br />cowpea aphid-borne mosaic, cowpea golden yellow mosaic, bean common<br />mosaic, leaf crinkle and leaf curl. The primary challenge in managing these<br />viral diseases lies in effectively integrating the substantial knowledge<br />accumulated, which is essential for developing genotypes with durable<br />resistance to viral infections. Molecular markers and QTL (Quantitative Trait<br />Locus) mapping are valuable tools for identifying genomic regions associated<br />with viral disease resistance, aiding future breeding programs. This abstract<br />provides an overview of each Vigna species, the viral diseases affecting them,<br />and recent advancements in developing resistant genotypes. It also highlights<br />systematic screening efforts within Vigna germplasm to identify various<br />sources of viral resistance in Vigna species.</p> P Godwin D Shoba P M Arumugam S Saravanan J Sheela P A Kavitha S Arumugachamy J Hepziba Copyright (c) 2024 P Godwin, D Shoba, PM Arumugam, S Saravanan, J Sheela, PA Kavitha, S Arumugachamy, J Hepziba https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-16 2025-01-16 12 1 10.14719/pst.4756 Therapeutic potential of Artemisia annua and artemisinin in viral infections, cancer and global health advancements https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3111 <p>Artemisinin, originally derived from Artemisia annua as an antimalarial agent, has demonstrated broad therapeutic potential in recent years. This review aims to synthesize current research on artemisinin’s efficacy beyond malaria, with a focus on its antiviral, anticancer and immunomodulatory applications. Methodologically, the review integrates findings from peer-reviewed studies, clinical trials and bioengineering innovations to offer a comprehensive perspective on artemisinin’s mechanisms of action, therapeutic applications and advancements in production. Key findings highlight artemisinin’s effectiveness in cancer and viral infections (including COVID-19), with recent bioengineering innovations enhancing its production through genetic modifications in A. annua, transgenic plants and yeast. These advancements improve accessibility and underscore the need for further clinical research to establish artemisinin’s role as a broad-spectrum therapeutic.</p> Bakhtiyor K Rakhmanov Dilshod E Usmonov Azadakhan S Imamkhodjaeva Saidakhon I Zakiryaeva Khurshida A Ubaydullaeva Shukhrat E Shermatov Mirzakamol S Ayubov Zabardast T Buriev Ibrokhim Y Abdurakhmonov Copyright (c) 2025 Bakhtiyor K Rakhmanov, Dilshod E Usmonov, Azadakhan S Imamkhodjaeva, Saidakhon I Zakiryaeva, Khurshida A Ubaydullaeva, Shukhrat E Shermatov, Mirzakamol S Ayubov, Zabardast T Buriev, Ibrokhim Y Abdurakhmonov https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-22 2025-02-22 12 1 10.14719/pst.3111 Sex evolution path involved in flowering plant family Cucurbitaceae: A review https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3176 <p>The predominant sexual system in the plant kingdom is hermaphroditism, where both female and male reproductive organs coexist within a single flower. The major parameters that influence the sexual systems are genetic variation, pollinator availability and type, mating system, ecological factors, geographical isolation, selective pressures, evolutionary history, polyploidy, hybridization and sexual conflict. These factors all play significant roles. Plants may evolve self-fertilization or outcrossing mechanisms based on their specific environmental conditions, reproductive strategies and evolutionary history. The interplay of these factors shapes the diverse range of sexual systems observed in plant species worldwide. The Cucurbitaceae family exhibits a highly specialized sex chromosome differentiation scheme with three major sexual patterns (monoecy, dioecy and hermaphroditism). In the present review, we focus on the evolution of gender in flowering plants of the Cucurbitaceae family, exploring the various paths and drivers involved in the evolution of dioecy. We also shed light on the sex chromosomes and phytohormones that contribute to gender diversification. Several molecular and genomic approaches have been recently applied to uncover the genetic basis of gender differentiation in different flowering plant species.</p> Animesh Pattnaik Pradip Kumar Prusty Madhusmita Barik Rukmini Mishra Jatindra Nath Mohanty Copyright (c) 2024 Animesh Pattnaik, Pradip Kumar Prusty, Madhusmita Barik, Rukmini Mishra, Jatindra Nath Mohanty https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.3176 Exploring the potential of synthetic seeds: Influence of explant, encapsulating agent and matrix, advantages and challenges https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3931 <p>Synthetic seed can serve as a substitute for conventional seed where conventional seed production is not practical. This method gives a viable solution for propagating plants that are difficult to reproduce through traditional means. Technologies based on synthetic seeds, encapsulating somatic embryos, shoot tissues, or axillary buds in a suitable matrix, demonstrate great influence over plant propagation by helping to accelerate germplasm exchange, increasing genetic preservation, and efficient genetic modification, thus providing the avenue for planting new seeds and accomplishing common goals. This review paper explores the importance of synthetic seeds, the impact of different explants, matrix composition, and encapsulating agents on the quality of synthetic seeds, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of synthetic seeds. Among the various explants used in synthetic seed production, somatic embryos promote genetic stability, shoot buds possess better viability, and axillary buds ensure genotype conservation. Alginate is the prevalent encapsulating agent due to its biocompatibility and cheapness. However, variable germination rates and microbial contamination remained a challenge and we must develop a protocol standardization too. Besides techniques like enhancing the germination rates, stabilizing genes, and having secondary metabolites in the process, the use of cryopreservation technologies and field performance evaluation is also crucially important in the process of creating synthetic seeds. This review discusses current trends in synthetic production research, emphasizing the need for new strategies to address poor germination rates and standardize explants used in synthetic seeds. It examines the factors affecting the production of synthetic seeds, factors affecting seed quality, and potential future developments.</p> S Sahu S P Monalisa S Jigile S Kar S S Parida S K Swain Copyright (c) 2024 S Sahu, SP Monalisa, S Jigile, S Kar, SS Parida, SK Swain https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-10 2025-01-10 12 1 10.14719/pst.3931 Mechanisms of drought tolerance in Moringa: Strategies for mitigation and adaptation – Review https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4279 <p>Moringa oleifera, often called the "miracle tree," is renowned for its resilience to harsh environmental conditions, particularly drought. This review explores the mechanisms by which Moringa tolerates drought stress, making it a vital crop in arid and semi-arid regions. Morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular adaptations attribute the tree's drought tolerance. Key mechanisms include an extensive root system that enhances water uptake, efficient water use through stomatal regulation, and the accumulation of Osmo protectants such as proline. Additionally, Moringa activates antioxidant enzymes that mitigate oxidative stress under drought conditions, safeguarding cellular integrity. Molecular responses play a significant role as well, with the upregulation of drought-responsive genes and stress-related proteins that enhance the tree’s ability to cope with water scarcity. These adaptive traits not only contribute to Moringa's survival but also improve its productivity under water-limited conditions. Beyond its environmental resilience, Moringa holds significant socioeconomic value. Its rich nutritional content, medicinal properties, and potential for income generation make it a critical crop for addressing food security and poverty, especially in developing regions. This review highlights the importance of promoting Moringa cultivation as a sustainable agricultural practice in drought-prone areas. In conclusion, understanding and leveraging Moringa's drought tolerance mechanisms can contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. Expanding its cultivation could lead to more resilient agricultural systems, providing both environmental and socioeconomic benefits. Continued research is essential to optimize its use and ensure its widespread adoption in vulnerable regions.</p> V Vijayaragavan T Sumathi P Irene vethamoni V Ravichandran M Raju Copyright (c) 2025 V Vijayaragavan, T Sumathi, P Irene vethamoni , V Ravichandran, M Raju https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.4279 Nanomaterial based drought mitigation in crops is through antioxidant defense system https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5915 <p>Drought stress significantly impacts crop productivity by affecting the growth and development of plants. Studies have shown that drought stress induces oxidative damage, and the use of antioxidant molecules or nanoparticle (NPs) possessing antioxidant properties may decrease the negative effects of oxidative stress. So far, antioxidants like ascorbic acid, glutathione, proline, and glycine betaine have been studied in detail, but there is limited information available on the effect of NPs in decreasing drought induced oxidative damage. When plants are subjected to drought stress conditions, their ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) decreases leading to an increase in ROS that can damage membranes, proteins, and lipids. Nonenzymatic antioxidants, such as tocopherols, ascorbate, glutathione, phenols, and carotenoids, along with enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidise, can strengthen the plant defense against ROS. Nanoparticles possessing antioxidant properties can mimic antioxidant enzymes, activate, and alter gene expression levels, leading to reduced ROS levels because of their increased surface area and presence of free electrons on their surface. This review discusses the effects of drought stress on crops, the synthesis, and unique properties of NPs, and the various traits improved by NPs possessing antioxidant properties to mitigate drought stress in plants.</p> J Logeshwaran A Senthil K Anitha P S Moorthy R Raghu R Karthikeyan M Djanaguiraman Copyright (c) 2025 J Logeshwaran, A Senthil, K Anitha, P S Moorthy, R Raghu, R Karthikeyan, M Djanaguiraman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-22 2025-02-22 12 1 10.14719/pst.5915 Integrated approach for managing groundnut stem rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/3995 <p>Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), often referred to as the King of oil seeds, is a vital oil seed crop cultivated globally. However, its productivity is hampered by numerous abiotic and biotic stresses, with biotic stresses predominantly due to fungal and bacterial diseases. Among these, soil-borne fungal pathogens cause significant yield losses. Specifically, stem rot disease, caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc., poses a substantial threat, leading to yield losses of up to 80%. This pathogen forms sclerotia, a resilient resting structure that can survive in the soil for many years and germinate under favorable environmental conditions. The persistence of sclerotia and the pathogen's broad host range make managing this disease particularly challenging through a single method. Effective management of stem rot disease necessitates an integrated disease management (IDM) approach, which combines cultural, chemical, and biological strategies. Cultural practices such as crop rotation, deep ploughing, and moisture regulation help to reduce inoculum levels in the soil. Chemical control involves the use of fungicides to reduce the pathogen load in the soil and protect the plants during vulnerable growth stages. Biological control employs antagonistic microorganisms that can inhibit the growth and activity of S. rolfsii. By integrating these diverse strategies, it is possible to effectively manage stem rot disease in groundnut, thereby enhancing productivity and sustainability in groundnut cultivation.</p> B Deepika J Sheela N Indra R Kalaiyarasi K N Navamaniraj Copyright (c) 2025 B Deepika, J Sheela, N Indra, R Kalaiyarasi, K N Navamaniraj https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.3995 Exploring the hidden treasures of Coptis teeta Wall.: Ethnomedicinal claims, traditional wisdom and promising avenues for research https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4308 <p>Coptis teeta Wall., commonly known as Mishmi teeta, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Ranunculaceae family and is rich in various bioactive compounds. It is classified as endangered on the Red List and is endemic to the Eastern Himalayas in Northeast India, representing a valuable repository of traditional wisdom and ethno medicinal practices. This article compiles available data on C. teeta for the first time, drawing from classical Ayurveda texts, botanical floras and research databases. Since 3000 B.C., this "Goldthread" has been an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Rhizoma coptidis. Through an extensive literature search, including online published reviews, research articles, and ethnomedicinal survey reports, it has been found that various tribes in Arunachal Pradesh, India, have utilized its potent therapeutic benefits for centuries to treat ailments such as gastrointestinal disorders, malaria, diabetes, eye disorders, infectious diseases, and more. The vivid pharmacological activities of C. teeta are primarily attributed to its alkaloids and other non-alkaloidal components, although limited preclinical work has been reported to date. The roots and rhizomes of C. teeta are rich in alkaloids such as berberine, jatrorrhizine, columbamine, epiberberine, coptisine and palmatine. These compounds play a significant therapeutic role in managing various ailments, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. They possess anti- inflammatory and analgesic properties, offer neuroprotective effects, aid in metabolic regulation and exhibit antimicrobial activity. Additionally, this review discusses the extensive trade benefits of C. teeta, the reasons for its threatened status, and various practical approaches for its conservation and cultivation. By bridging ethnomedicinal knowledge with scientific modernization through a multidisciplinary research approach, this review aims to unlock the hidden treasures of C. teeta and encourage further pharmacological research and standardization.</p> V Vaidehi N Pankajkumar K V Radhakrishnan N Mukeshkumar Copyright (c) 2024 V Vaidehi, N Pankajkumar, K V Radhakrishnan, N Mukeshkumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.4308 Nutritional, medicinal and biological activities of Ferocactus species: Recent findings and research opportunities https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/5157 <p>Ferocactus is a genus of the family Cactaceae found in the arid and semi-arid regions of the American continent, especially in Mexico. The species serve various purposes such as food, cosmetics, fodder and for relief from certain ailments. The fruits of Ferocactus species such as Ferocactus herrerae and Ferocactus glaucescens have valuable amounts of macronutrients, micronutrients and bioactive components which make them nutrient-dense. They are also a potential raw material for new product development in the food and cosmetic industries, industrial extraction and production of antimicrobials and antioxidants. However, many of the species are understudied, underproduced, underutilized or overexploited, resulting in a significant waste or risk of extinction due to overexploitation. Therefore, the objective of this review was to discuss and provide an in-depth and recent overview of the description, morphology, ethnobotanical uses, nutritional composition, bioactive composition and biological activities of different species of Ferocactus reported in the literature from different databases such as Google Scholar, ResearchGate and Scopus. Proper exploration and maximization of these species of cactus can provide huge economic, technological and nutritional benefits for all. Moreover, the challenges, possible solutions and future directions for maximum production and utilization of these species have also been discussed.</p> Bosede Ruth Faleye Adriana Carolina Flores-Gallegos Juan Alberto Ascacio- Valdes Sandra Cecilia Esparza-Gonzalez Sonia Yesenia Silva-Belmares Sendar Daniel Nery-Flores Lizeth Guadalupe Campos-Muzquiz Raul Rodriguez-Herrera Copyright (c) 2025 Bosede Ruth Faleye, Adriana Carolina Flores-Gallegos, Juan Alberto Ascacio- Valdes, Sandra Cecilia Esparza-Gonzalez, Sonia Yesenia Silva-Belmares, Sendar Daniel Nery-Flores, Lizeth Guadalupe Campos-Muzquiz, Raul Rodriguez-Herrera https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-02-22 2025-02-22 12 1 10.14719/pst.5157 Unveiling key adaptation strategies: A systematic review of climate variability’s impact on agriculture https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6107 <p>This review aims to comprehensively analyze the variability of climate in agriculture and the<br />adaptive behaviour of farmers in response to climate change, synthesizing existing knowledge and<br />examining measures for mitigate climate fluctuations. To achieve this, a systematic literature<br />review (SLR) was conducted using the Scopus database, covering the past eleven years. A total of<br />177 articles were identified through a methodological application of the Preferred Reporting Items<br />for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) framework. While these studies encompass a<br />broad geographical scope, the selection was deliberately constrained by a small sample size to<br />exclude regions lacking conflicting evidence, ensuring relevance and high-quality information, a<br />standard practice in systematic reviews within this field. This study hypothesizes that adaptive<br />strategies, such as climate-smart agriculture and early warning systems, significantly reduce<br />farmers’ vulnerability under climate change. Key findings indicates that practices like conservation<br />tillage, agroforestry, and other climate-resilient approaches enhances agricultural sustainability and<br />resilience. The results highlight the urgent need for further investigation and policy incentives to<br />encourage adaptive behaviour and provide food security in the presence of climatic variability.<br />Thus, the conclusion of these findings encourages the widespread uptake of climate-smart practices<br />coupled with early warning mechanisms to reduce climatic risks effectively.</p> S Rithika A Malaisamy M Raswanthkrishna Copyright (c) 2025 S Rithika, A Malaisamy, M Raswanthkrishna https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.6107 Pre-breeding approaches towards vegetable improvement: A review https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4857 <p>The current genetic framework in agriculture poses risks as it undermines global food security. The shift from diverse landraces and local cultivars to genetically uniform modern varieties in traditional agroecosystems has increased the susceptibility of cultivars to pests and diseases. This poses a significant challenge to our valuable biodiversity. In response to changing environmental conditions, there is a need to discover novel genes and traits that enhance adaptability. To create high-yielding cultivars with broader genetic diversity, plant breeders must explore various germplasm sources. Gene banks play an important role in preserving beneficial genes and maintaining genetic variation. The urgent need to expand agricultural germplasm stocks and enhance crop management is beneficial for global food security. Plant genetic resources play a vital role in expanding germplasm stock and improving crop management systems. Pre-breeding delivers the unique advantage of incorporating desired genes from wild germplasm into cultivated varieties, minimizing linkage drag. It focuses on increasing genetic variability among germplasm so that it may be employed in normal genetic improvement programmes for cultivar development. Pre-breeding serves as a beneficial bridge between breeding efforts and genetic resources especially when non-adapted materials are involved. Despite limited utilization of plant genetic resources in crop development programs, pre-breeding can build new genomic technologies to enhance genetic diversity analysis and manipulation with an ultimate approach to create improved cultivars with desirable traits.</p> A Sohi B S Dogra S Dhiman R Pathania A Chaudhary P Singathiya A D Ranga A Kumari Copyright (c) 2025 A Sohi, B S Dogra, S Dhiman, R Pathania, A Chaudhary, P Singathiya, A D Ranga, A Kumari https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.4857 A novel stereoscopic mode of planting and breeding shed https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/6419 <p>A novel stereoscopic mode of planting and breeding shed has been designed. The shed body comprises of a steel frame structure inserted with four transverse beams along the length direction of the shed through the middle part of the shed body. The transverse beams are covered with a partition. The top of the shed body is covered with 300 and 80 solar panels, while the lower and upper sides are covered with the first and second transparent materials. The partition is provided with 200 and 40 breeding cages, where the 200 and 40 manure drains connected to the breeding cages (each manure drain connected to one breeding cage) are vertically arranged under the partition. The two manure collection pipes are connected to the manure drains at a slope of 60°. The transverse beams have 80 adjustable hammocks, which serve as space-saving hanging pots to grow plants. The lower side of the partition is provided with 80 spray heads through the pipes. The inner side of the shed body is provided with 20 heating devices. The novel planting and breeding shed can effectively utilize space, achieving the recycling of resources and waste, maximizing economic benefits and realizing the concept of low-carbon and green environmental protection.</p> Yanbin Hua Pei Ying Ong Chi Nhan Tran Chew Tin Lee Ken Nagasaka Copyright (c) 2024 Yanbin Hua, Pei Ying Ong, Chi Nhan Tran, Chew Tin Lee, Ken Nagasaka https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-01 2025-01-01 12 1 10.14719/pst.6419 Anatomical traits and volatile compounds of acetone extract from Kaempferia champasakensis https://horizonepublishing.com/journals/index.php/PST/article/view/4876 <p>Kaempferia L. is a genus belonging to Zingiberaceae family, with many species used in indigenous medicines in Asian countries. Kaempferia champasakensis Picheans. and Koonterm. are rare species found only in Laos and Vietnam. The aim of this study was to provide the micro-morphological traits and the volatile compounds of the acetone extract isolated from K. champasakensis for the first time. Using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) assay, twenty-three volatile components were identified in the studied extract, among which tyranton (22.41%), 9(E), 11(E)-conjugated linoleic acid (18.58%), palmitic acid (15.32%), phytol (9.95%), 3-hexen-2-one (6.91%), cis-vaccenic acid (6.04%) and beta-sitosterol (4.74%) were the major compounds. In addition, using the iodine green-carmine double staining method, the micro-morphological traits of the leaf, root tuber, root and rhizome of K. champasakensis were first demonstrated. These results provided the standardization and classification of K. champasakensis, which can be applied in the pharmaceutical field and other related areas.</p> T T Le-thi M P Nguyen H N Vu H T Van T V Pham V S Le Q H Nguyen T T Le H T D Nguyen Copyright (c) 2025 T T Le-thi, M P Nguyen, H N Vu, H T Van, T V Pham, V S Le, Q H Nguyen, T T Le, H T D Nguyen https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-01-28 2025-01-28 12 1 10.14719/pst.4876